Expensive Canvas Pliers?

[Julie Deane]

Hi -

I've found out that I just don't have the strength to stretch large canvases well. I am wondering if the more expensive canvas pliers make a difference. I am particularly wondering about some made by the John Annersley Company http://www.johnannesley.com/canvas_pliers.html

They are advertised as providing more leverage, and they look like they do. Does anyone have these or others that they would recommend? I don't have the luxury of having anyone to help me do the stretching very often.

[Timothy C. Tyler]

I recently bought some like these from the fellows in Maine. They work way better than the cheap ones that I used to break in half. You can get some nice ones for about $75.00 from the big art supply stores-that are similiar. They work better yet still require some torque from you.

[Marvin Mattelson]

The one's made by Holbein are fantastic. They make a larger size that is designed for large canvases.

[Julie Deane]

Thanks for the info. I didn't know that Hobein makes different sizes. Timothy, please excuse my ignorance, but who are the "fellows in Maine"?

[Timothy C. Tyler]

Julie, these are the ones I bought(Link below). The ones Marvin mentioed are cheaper and I think probably as good, they are the brand I refered for $75.00.

http://www.midcoast.com/~twnbrook/tbplier.html

[Julie Deane]

Hi Tim -

Thanks for your Twinbrooks suggestion. Not only are the pliers just what I needed, but the gentleman from whom I ordered over the phone took the time to tell me just how to use them for the best results. I am very impressed with their pliers and their service.

[Linda Nelson]

Tim,

I bought the pliers you recommended here and I am SOOOOOO thankful for having done so. Those things are awesome. Worth every penny.

Thanks for sharing the info.