Rugs, Carpets and Carpeting - I'm all frazzled. (Carpet Repair)

I've got some areas in a commercial setting where the carpet will have a string come loose. I normally will clip it off with scissors and go about my day until it begins again. Is there a product like some type of glue or adhesive that can be put on the spot to keep it from coming undone after the loose pieces are clipped ?

I use fabric glue or a product called Fraycheck for fraying fabrics and fringe. Easy to use and dries clear. Don't see why you can't use it for carpets.

Believe it or not, and since this is a DIY forum... Elmers glue. Just a dab, on the backing and the last loop left. Don't get carried away, and don't step on it!!

When you say backing you're not saying under the carpet are you ?

don't step on it!!


I assume this is only until the glue dries?

When you clip the loose piece, you should be able to see the backing to the carpet at the base of the yarn, especially where it was clipped, because clipping it off leaves a small bare spot. Where the last loop left, goes into the backing, apply a small amount of whatever you decide to use for glue to the base of this loop so the glue contacts the base of the loop and the backing simultaneously, effectively gluing the end of the loop into the backing so it will be more reluctant to continue to misbehave. Be careful to not get any glue on the main body of the yarn. When glue dries, it shrinks. If you get too much on the yarn, as the glue drys and begins shrinking, it'll draw the yarn down and begin to look really bad. Two other glues I've used are, hot melt glue and, believe it or not, clear nail polish. A small, hobbyist sized hot melt glue gun will get right in there to the base of the yarn and a nail polish bottle has a small applicator brush that will get in there also.

Thanks for all the help. This should get it done.

That's why I suggested fabric glue (I use Sobo). It doesn't shrink anything, dries clear, won't leave it as stiff as Elmer's and it's washable and dry cleanable. Unlike Elmer's, it's meant to work with fibers.

I have used super glue for carpet repairs. A water-based glue would likely dissolve if carpet is cleaned with water-based method.