Abstract: A carpet stretcher comprises an engaging head having a number of forwardly downwardly extending prongs set in the lower surface thereof, a knee pad disposed in the rear, and an air cylinder which is substantially hermetically constructed and which has an air inlet valve at one end and a piston rod projecting at the other end. The engaging head and the knee pad are interconnected by the air cylinder. In stretching a carpet, the knee pad is kicked by the operator with his knee. The air cylinder serves to absorb shock and to transmit the knee-produced forces from the knee pad to the engaging head.