How to Install and Adjust a Wood Key Stretcher Using a Turnbuckle Adjuster

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How to Install and Adjust a Wood Key Stretcher
Using a Turnbuckle Adjuster

• The John Annesley Company
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Tools and Materials Needed

• Turnbuckle with Screws
• Screw Driver
• Wrench
• Awl
• Side Cutters
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Project Overview

• Turnbuckles provide a mechanical way to expand or
  contract the joints of any wood keyed stretcher.
  They provide extra rigidity at the joints, and
  precise control of the expansion/contraction
  process. They can retrofit older wooden keyed
  stretchers that have lost their keys, and/or have
  become rickety due to age.
• Turnbuckles are a poor mans expansion bolt
  system. They are safer than wood keyed systems
  because of the type of tool used (wrench as
  opposed to hammer) in the expansion/contraction
  process. This process also allows the user to
  stretch the canvas without having to remove the
  canvas from the stretcher. It is inexpensive and
  simple to install, as well as easy to use.
  Another nice feature of the turnbuckle system is
  that it expands and contracts the joint equally,
  allowing the stretcher to remain square.
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Project Overview

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Getting Started

• Pry the staples using an awl from all four corner
  joints.
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• Once the staples have been lifted from the
  stretcher, finish pulling them out with a pair of
  side cutters.
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Staples Removed
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Installing Turnbuckle

• Position the turnbuckle on the inside of the
  stretcher making sure that the turnbuckle is
  fully retracted. Use the awl to start the screws.
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Set The Screws

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Finish Setting the Screws

• Repeat this process on all corners and braces
  (if applicable).
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Making Adjustments

• Use the appropriate size wrench for your
  turnbuckle. Adjust the joint spacing by turning
  the turnbuckle in one direction or the other. One
  direction will expand the joint, while the other
  direction will contract the joint.
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Detail of Two Turns (expanding)

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Detail of Three Turns (expanding)

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Detail of Four Turns (expanding)

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Detail of Seven Turns (expanding)

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Completed Project

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