A carpet installation tool used to stretch carpet in overpad tackless strip installations. It consists of a pinned plate which grips carpet, tubular extensions, a padded end which in use bears against an opposing wall or other structure, and a lever system which multiplies the installer’s applied stretching force. All contract installations should be power stretched unless the area is so small that this is impossible. If (and only if) power stretching is impossible, knee- kickers may be used.