Mechanical Stretchers

Recommended for

When you need a good, solid painting support that, thanks to the joinery design, will always be square.

Design

Originated in the 1950's by James Lebron.

Materials

Basswood.

Stretcher Bar Profile

Continuous Bevel and L-shaped.

What is a Mechanical Stretcher?

Less expensive than the American Traditional but comparably tried and true, Simon’s take on James Lebron’s enduring invention is a painting support built to remain perfectly square. 

Specifications: We have two profiles. Our continuous bevel option is constructed out of sugar pine while our L-shaped profile is produced with basswood in various thicknesses.

Stretcher Bar Profiles

Continuous Bevel

American Traditional Stretcher Continuous Bevel Flat Back | Simon Liu Inc

Flat Back

L-Shaped

American Traditional Stretcher L-Shape | Simon Liu Inc

Tongue & Groove

L-Shape Biscuit Joint - Simon Liu Inc

Biscuit Joint

For thick profiles only.

Features of our Mechanical Stretchers

The Mechanical Stretcher’s adroit design uses Tite-Joint™ fasteners and two aluminum guiding pins for the connecting miter and butt joint.

Extending the fasteners tightens the canvas.

Once the proper tension is achieved, wood shims placed between the hardware and guiding pins hold the tension while the hardware is tightened to stabilize the joint. Mechanical Stretchers are available in both wood and aluminum.

Mechanical Stretcher - Simon Liu Inc

“Tite” makes right.

Continuous Bevel Sizing Chart Information

In addition to the standard sizing options below, we can also accommodate custom requests.
Please inquire
.

Code Weight Thickness Width
S-McM
Medium
1 1/16''
2 3/4''
S-McH
Heavy
Up to 1 1/4''
3''
S-McE
Extra Heavy
Up to 1 3/8''
3 1/2''
S-McS
Super Heavy
Up to 1 3/8''
4''
S-McS
Super Heavy
Up to 1 3/8''
4 1/2''

L-Shape Sizing Chart Information

In addition to the standard sizing options below, we can also accommodate custom requests.
Please inquire
.

Code Weight Thickness Width
S-MH
Heavy
1 1/4''
3''
S-MH
Heavy
1 3/4''
3''
S-ME
Extra Heavy
Up to 2''
3 1/2''
S-MS
Super Heavy
Up to 2''
4''
S-MS
Super Heavy
Up to 2''
4 1/2''

Get a custom quote for your Mechanical Stretchers