You don't need a workshop full of gear to re-cover a chair. Most DIY jobs come down to a tool to get the old fixings out, something to measure and cut with, and a way to fix the new cover on.
Here's a walk through the tools for each stage of a project, from stripping it back to the finishing touches. Jump to the stage you're at, or start at the top.
1. Strip it back 2. Seat support 3. Measure and cut 4. Fix the cover 5. Finishing touches Tool packs
1. Strip it back
Getting the old cover off without chewing up the frame is the first job. Check whether it's held on with staples or tacks, because they come out with different tools.
TUF Staple Remover
A rubber-grip remover for lifting out old staples.
OSBORNE Staple Lifter #120½
A trade favourite for its durability and grip.
REGAL Tack Lifter
For lifting old upholstery tacks, with a comfortable timber handle.
Osborne Bent Ripping Chisel
For the stubborn tacks and staples that won't budge.
Working on a dining chair? Our dining chair guide walks through the whole job. Or browse all upholstery tools.
2. Seat support
If the seat sags once the cover is off, the webbing or springs underneath probably need replacing. Webbing has to go on tight and even, which is hard to do by hand.
TUF Webbing Stretcher #255
Pulls webbing tight across the frame before you fix it.
OSBORNE Plastic Webbing Stretcher
A lighter stretcher, and the one in our Starter Pack.
TUF Webbing & Canvas Pliers
A firm grip on webbing and canvas for a tight finish.
TUF Lever Spring Stretcher
Makes fitting replacement springs much easier.
Not sure which webbing to use? See our webbing guide, or browse webbing and springs and accessories.
3. Measure and cut
Measure twice, mark clearly and cut once. A soft tape is handy around curves and cushions, and sharp shears make cleaner cuts through upholstery fabric.
Retractable Tape Measure
For measuring frames, seats and foam.
Tailors Soft Tape Measure
Bends around curves, arms and cushions.
Tailors Wax Chalk
Marks your cutting lines on the fabric.
PREMAX Upholsterers Shears
Tailor's shears for clean cuts through upholstery fabric.
Re-covering cushions? See how to measure cushion covers. Still choosing a fabric? Start with which upholstery fabric to use. Browse marking and measuring or scissors and snips.
4. Fix the cover
Most covers are stapled to a timber frame. A manual stapler is fine for a chair or two, electric suits regular projects, and air-powered is fastest but needs a compressor. Older work fixed with tacks needs a tack hammer instead.
TUF Manual Stapler
Manual. No power or compressor needed.
TUF Electric Staple Gun
Electric. Less hand effort for regular projects.
TUF 80 Series Staple Gun
Air-powered. Fastest for bigger jobs, needs a compressor.
OSBORNE Magnetic Tack Hammer
For tacks. The magnet holds the tack while you start it.
Whichever gun you choose, check it takes the staples you plan to use. Our staple gun guide compares the options, or browse all staple and nail guns.
5. Finishing touches
Hand-stitched seams, buttons and a well-shaped finish take a few extra tools.
Curved Upholstery Needle
For hand stitching where a straight needle can't reach.
Upholstery Skewers
Hold fabric in place while you work.
Upholstery Regulator
For shaping and evening out filling under the cover.
OSBORNE Button Tufting Needle
For replacing buttons on cushions and backs.
Adding decorative nails? Use a nylon-tipped hammer like the OSBORNE #36, and see our decorative nails and trims spotlight. Browse needles, skewers and regulators or button covering.
Or get the basics in one pack
Our tool packs bundle the hand tools most projects need. Compare what's in each against your project, not just the pack name. If you already own most of these, buying the missing tools on their own may make more sense.
Starter Pack
Your first stapled chair. Covers stripping staples, re-webbing and simple hand sewing.
View Starter Pack
Intermediate Pack
Older furniture with tacks as well as staples, or projects with more hand stitching.
View Intermediate Pack
Professional Pack
Regular projects, when you also want upholstery shears and a full set of straight needles.
View Professional Pack| What's included | Starter | Intermediate | Professional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staple remover | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tack lifter | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webbing stretcher | Plastic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Magnetic hammer | Tack hammer | Tack hammer | Split head |
| Upholstery regulator | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Curved needles | 1 | Set of 4 | Set of 4 |
| Straight needles | 1 | 1 | Set of 4 |
| Upholstery skewers | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Upholstery shears | – | – | ✓ |
None of the packs includes a staple gun. Add one separately if your project is stapled, and check each pack's product page for its current contents.
Got a project in mind?
Our step-by-step guides cover what each job involves, including the tools.
Re-upholster dining chairs Make an upholstered bedhead Replace sofa cushion foam Replace a car headliner Taking an upholstery course
Upholstery tools FAQs
A staple remover or tack lifter, fabric shears, a tape measure and a staple gun with suitable staples. That covers most drop-in seats. You'll only need a webbing stretcher if the support underneath needs replacing.
Look under the seat or along the back of the frame. Staples are thin wire bridges, while tacks are small nails with a round head. Older pieces often use tacks, and some have both. For more on old and new methods, see traditional vs modern upholstery supplies.
No. None of the three packs includes one, so add a staple gun separately if your project is stapled. Our staple gun guide helps you choose between manual, electric and air.
For tacks, a tack hammer is much easier. A magnetic one holds the tack for you, so you can start it with one hand while the other keeps the fabric in place.
Not sure what your project needs?
Tell us what you're working on and we'll help you pick the tools. Or visit our Sydney showroom to see them in person.