Tightening key

This article does not cite any sources. Please help by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources:  –  ·  ·  · scholar · JSTOR (November 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

A corner key or tightening key is a small wedge or block of board, timber or plastic, inserted into the slotted inside corners of a canvas stretcher frame to prevent or adjust sagging.

Use[]

The piece is tapped in to expand the stretcher bars slightly, tensioning the canvas. The keys can be used to re-tighten the canvas as it relaxes naturally over time. Tightening keys are commonly made in plastic or wood, and are commonly known as corner keys or corner wedges.

Types[]

Corner keys or wedges come in various forms. Most are available for a single size stretcher bar, making framers and artists hold various sizes in stock. A product called "wedgee" eliminates the need to stock many types as it has a male / female profile which allows it to be pressed together to fit most corner cut-outs.

See also[]

• Stretcher bar

This article related to art materials is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by .

• v
• t