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The History of Webbing Stretchers

Although the first patents for webbing stretchers, also known as webbing strainers, did not appear in the United States until the 1950s, the standard gooseneck webbing stretcher has been used for centuries to add a sturdy substrate to upholstered furniture. Slotted webbing stretchers are a common variety as well, but many variations exist, including a ratchet-based design, patented by Edward J. Shirak.

  1. History

    • The tension added to furniture webbing with a webbing stretcher adds strength to the material.

      The first patented webbing stretcher, designed by Edward J. Shirak in 1953, used a ratchet system to "secure webbing on a seat frame which is adjustable for use on either a straight side of a seat frame, or on a curved or circular frame." Shirak's design also provided "uniform" strain on the webbing before it was tacked, nailed or stapled in place. A patent by E.A. Land Jr. in 1961 added a hand clamp to the traditional wood block design with nail-like teeth. Wood block design webbing stretchers have been used for centuries. According to Antiques Digest, the tension imbued in the webbing by a webbing stretcher can support the weight of up to three people, even without the aid of a wooden backing.

    Function

    • Standard gooseneck webbing stretchers work by grabbing the webbing with tiny metal teeth and then pulling the webbing taut over the back of a frame. Some webbing stretchers, such as the gooseneck design, have notches cut into the wood, allowing them to create a fulcrum against the frame to pull the webbing taut. Slotted webbing stretchers have slots cut out to allow webbing loops to slip through. In addition, they often use wooden dowels to hold the loop in place.

    Types

    • Gooseneck and slotted webbing stretchers are the most common types used in upholstering furniture. Gooseneck stretchers are more basic than their slotted counterparts, often designed around a single block of wood with metal, nail-like spikes jutting from a flat top. Slotted stretchers often lack these teeth, but pull the webbing taut by allowing it to slip through a slot, using the notched end as a fulcrum to make the webbing taut.

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Furniture Making
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  2. The History of Poole Pottery
  3. History of the Bulldozer
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  5. The History of Gutters
  6. History of the Wing Chair
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