**Professional 4 Way Hat Stretcher: Instruction Manual**
**Model: ** 4 Way Wooden Lever-Action Stretcher
**Fits Sizes:** 6 7/8 to 8 3/8 (55–67 cm Head Circumference)
**Compatibility:**Cowboy Hats, Baseball Caps, Fedoras, Berets, Felt/Wool Hats, Straw Hats (withextreme caution), and structured caps with rigid sweatbands.
### **Why Our Stretcher Stands Out:**
1.**Lever Wrench Mechanism:** Effortlesslyexpands hats using mechanical force — no muscle strain!
2.**Gentle Solid Wood:** Rounded, polished solidwood protects delicate linings and resists cracking.
3. **Universal Design:** Adjusts to targetspecific tight spots (sides, front, crown) on almost any hat type.
4.Specially Designed For Hats: The 4 way hat stretcher can evenly stretch the four sides of the cap without making the cap oval; This unique design ensures that the force is evenly distributed, providing optimal stretching and shaping; (Use steam to soften the hat before stretching)
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### Critical Warnings (Read Before Use!)
1. **NEVERSTRETCH DRY HATS:** Fibers may tear. **Always precondition withsteam/moisture** .
2. **GRADUALSTRETCHING ONLY:** 1-2 lever notches per session. Over-stretching **permanentlyruins** hats.
3. **NOCHILDREN:** Lever mechanism can cause severe pinching.
### Step-by-Step Guide
#### **1. Pre-Stretch Inspection**
- **Identify Tight Areas:** Pinpoint wherethe hat pinches (sides, forehead, crown).
- **Check Material:**
→ *Leather/Felt:* Ideal for stretching.
→ *Straw/Woven:* **Extreme caution** – highrisk of breakage.
→ *Synthetic Blends:* Test steam on hiddenarea first.
#### **2. Essential MoisturePre-Treatment**
**Goal:** Soften fibers to preventcracking. **Never skip this step!**
- **Method 1: Steam Application(Recommended)**
→ Hold hat **15cm (6")** above boilingkettle/pot.
→ Move continuously for **10–15 seconds**targeting the *tight area*.
→ **DO NOT** saturate – fibers should feel*slightly warm and supple*, not wet.
- **Method 2: Damp Cloth (For LeatherSweatbands)**
→ Wrap a *barely damp* microfiber clotharound the tight band.
→ Let sit for **5–8 minutes**. Remove clothbefore stretching.
- ** Never Use:** Hairdryers, boiling water immersion, or chemicalsprays.
#### **3. Inserting the Stretcher**
- **Positioning:**
→ Insert stretcher.
→ Align wooden blocks against the *steamedtight area* (e.g., if sides are tight, position blocks laterally).
- **Depth Control:**
→ For **sweatband stretching:** Blocksshould touch the inner band.
#### **4. Gradual Stretching Process**
- **Lever Operation:**
→ Pull handle **DOWN** slowly until youfeel resistance.
→ **First Session:** Engage **1-2 notchonly**.
- **Resting Period:**
→ Leave stretcher in place for:
*Leather/Felt:* **6–12 hours**(overnight).
*Straw:* **MAX 4 hour** (multiplechecks).
- **Progressive Adjustment:**
→ Remove stretcher → Test fit → Re-steam ifstiff → Reinsert → Add **1 more notch** if needed.
→ **Maximum:** 3 notches/day forleather/felt; **1 notch/day** for straw.
#### **5. Post-Stretch Care**
- **Release & Remove:**
→ Slowly push lever UP to release tension →Slide stretcher out gently.
- **Reshape & Dry:**
→ Wear hat for **5–10 minutes** whileslightly damp to mold to your head.
→ Air-dry on a clean, rounded surface(never direct sunlight/heat).
- **Conditioning (Leather Only):**
→ Apply beeswax conditioner to sweatbandafter drying to prevent brittleness.
### Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
| **Issue** | **Solution** |
|--------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **"Hat still tight"** |Re-steam + add 1 notch. Repeat 24hrs later. Never force beyond 3notches/session. |
| **"Lever stuck"** | Check forfabric snags. Apply 1 drop of mineral oil to pivot joint. |
| **"White marks on hat"** | Woodwas damp! **Always wipe stretcher dry** before use. |
| **"Crown deformed"** |Over-stretched. Lightly steam crown → place over a bowl to reshape whiledrying. |
| **"Straw hat cracking"** | STOPUSE. Straw requires professional repair. Use minimal tension next time. |
### Maintenance & Storage
- **After Each Use:** Wipe wood with drycloth. Remove dust from lever mechanism.
- **Monthly Care:** Rub wood withfood-grade mineral oil to prevent drying.
- **Storage:** Keep in a cool, dry place(
**A Perfect Fit, Patience at Heart**
Crafted for hat lovers, our stretchercombines traditional woodworking with smart engineering. Remember: **Low steam+ slow stretching = hat longevity.**