The 6 Best Canvas Pliers
This wiki has been updated 28 times since it was first published in May of 2016. If you are a painter, an art student, or work in a framing shop, you're going to want to take a look at these pliers. Designed for stretching a canvas prior to mounting in a frame, they come in models that are capable of delivering both gallery-wrapped and side-stretched canvases. And they are also handy for preparing leather and other fabrics for use in furnishings and decor. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. MyLifeUnit Professional
2. Fredrix T7400
3. C.S. Osborne 249
Editor's Notes
August 28, 2019:
Stretching canvas may not be a fun job. but it can become a lot easier with the right pair of pliers. The major difference between traditional pliers and those dedicated to stretching fabric is the width of the head, with that latter having a significantly bigger one. Many canvas pliers will also have a metal protrusion on one of the jaws that can help create leverage or be used for hammering down staples, such as can be seen on every model on our list except the Mexi Stretcher Tool.
If you are working in a gallery setting where even the slightest damage can have serious repercussions, we recommend the MyLifeUnit Professional, as they feature flat jaws with rubber strips, rather than the more traditional toothed design. Along with the C.S. Osborne 249 and C.S. Osborne 250, they also feature a coated handle to provide your palm with a bit of cushioning, making all of these models comfortable for long periods of use and ideal for professional use.
If you are looking for a budget option and don't expect any marathon sessions of stretching, there is no reason you can't go with Fredrix T7400, Mexi Stretcher Tool, or Jack Richeson Iron, all of which have bare-metal handles. Though this can be a bit of a pain for some, it shouldn't be too much of an issue if you are only stretching a couple of pieces in each sitting, and they will get the job done reliably while saving you a few bucks.
4. C.S. Osborne & Co. 250
5. Mexi Stretcher Tool
6. Jack Richeson Iron
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