If you do the X right, it fits very well. I have done a bit of carpet installation over the years and that is how a lot of carpet installers make holes. Just use the right size knife to where you dont make your hole too big and the ears that are left are the right size to where you just have to trim them off. A bit too small of a blade is better than a bit too big, its really easy to just make a bit more of a cut and trim to fit. To answer your question about the soldering iron, one can be had for under $10 for a basic unit.
Heat a piece of rod the size hole you want and push it thru. No loose threads or fraying. Just hot enough to melt thru, not set the carpet on fire
That's pretty much what I meant by saying to heat it just until the copper pipe starts to change color. I would hate to have somebody catch their car on fire from any advice that I have given lol.
Pre molded carpets I have seen come with that one done. They even supply the gromet, at least "Trim Parts" did for me.
Well, the "heat" thing intrigued me enough to try something different. After heating an awl and punching "locator" holes, I took a scrap piece of 5/8" SS tubing, sharpened one end, and welded a 1/4"-20 flange nut on the other end. Then I cut the head off a long 1/4"-20 bolt, sharpened and tapered it to a point, and threaded it back into the flange nut. Chucked it in a variable speed drill and spun it over slowly while heating it. Once up to heat, I punched the point into the previously located holes and used my new "hot knife" to cut the holes. Worked extremely well! Thanks to all for the tips and ideas in making this tool. Russ
