• Upholstering really isn't that difficult with the right toolssofa image by Clementina Cabral from Fotolia.com
  
  Anyone who has ever had a sofa professionally reupholstered probably got quite a shock when it came to paying the bill. Reupholstering is often more expensive than buying a new replacement. But, with the proper tools, it really isn’t very difficult for the average do-it-yourselfer and the money you will save will make it well worth the effort. With the right tools in hand, never forget the old saying “measure twice, cut once.”
  
  

Tailor’s Shears

• Invest in a good pair of tailor's shears.scissors cutting a paper image by Oleg Guryanov from Fotolia.com
  
  Tailor’s shears are specially made for heavy-duty fabrics and are very sharp down to the tip for cutting precise corners. They are made with forged metal for strength, come in 9, 10 and 12 inch lengths and are designed to reduce hand-fatigue. (Source 6)
  
  

Upholstery Stapler

• You can use a regular staple gun or a high-power upholstery stapler.industrial stapler image by JoLin from Fotolia.com
  
  There are many types of upholstery staplers available, from electric power staplers to manual “hammer tackers.” A power upholstery stapler is a specialized staple gun that is designed for the materials and shapes of furniture. A hammer tacker is a manual hand tool that resembles a hammer. It is loaded with upholstery tacks and the force of hammering the head against a surface releases and pushes the tack into the frame.
  
  

Stapler Remover

• You will probably remove many staples, so get a remover that is comfortable for you.business concept. city of staples image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
  
  A stapler remover is necessary for taking off old upholstery fabric that is stapled to the frame. Some staple removers are designed to also remove tacks.
  
  

Diagonal Pliers

• When a stubborn staple won't come out, use pliers.pliers image by Jakub Cejpek from Fotolia.com
  
  Diagonal pliers are needed to pull out staples if the staple remover lifts but doesn’t entirely remove the staple. This tool is often designed with sharp blades between the handle and the nose for snipping off pieces of staple too small for pulling.
  
  

Stretchers

• Stretchers are used to pull the strapping tight.Jute image by Udo Ingber from Fotolia.com
  
  There are three types of stretchers. First is a “goose neck,” which resembles a small paint roller; at the end of its handle is an oblong-shaped block with teeth that hook into the strapping and stretch it tight. It provides excellent leverage and is the stretcher of choice for many upholsterers. Second, is the “non-goose neck.” This type is made of hardwood. It is 8 inches long by 3 to 4 inches wide and has a slight hourglass shape so the hand can grip the tool around the middle. It has steel teeth at one end to grip the strapping and a corrugated rubber guard at the other end to protect exposed wood. Last is the “jaw stretcher.” It resembles a pair of pliers with a 3 1/2 inch wide jaw that grips fabric or webbing so it can be pulled safely.
  
  

Tucking Tool

• A tucking tool is great for getting fabric tucked in to hard-to-reach places.contemporary accent chair image by James Phelps from Fotolia.com
  
  A tucking tool is made for putting in headliner and getting into hard-to-reach places. It resembles a cutting knife, with a smooth, plastic or metal blade that is both rigid and flexible, designed to tuck in material without snagging it.
  
  

Rubber Mallet

• Rubber mallets won't damage the furniture.mr. fixit 8 image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com
  
  A heavy-duty rubber mallet is used to install tack strips and ply grips without damaging the wood part of the furniture.