How to use a hat stretcher?

[Cheech]

I recently got a new hat and its just a little snug. I liked it, and have a hard to fit (large) head, so I ordered a hat stretcher (Hat Jack). It looks simple enough but I thought I'd ask for input. I'd hate to wreck a hat because I did something stupid.

Maybe I'll photo-document the process and post a "how to" if it works out well.

 

[ImaRobot]

I'm really interested in following this thread as I also have a hat I would like to stretch. Good luck.

 

[mark the shoeshine boy]

First, wear the hat...I presume it has a leather sweatband and it needs to be "sweated in"...It needs to conform to you head..

Second, when you get your hat jack, just put it in there and give it just a couple of twists...you just want it tight enough that in the morning when you put it on, it may be just a little bigger than it should be, however the warmth of your body will once again conform it to your head...


Don't over tighten, that will lead to a "bell shape" hat...

 

[Tolduonce]

Had a hatmaker stretch a hat for me. He steamed it first before using the hat jack. Just a couple of turns was all he did. After the hat dried, he had me wear it around the shop for a few minutes. Still a bit snug so he repeated the procedure adding about a turn and a half. Voila!!

 

[Isaac]

If you can steam the hat first it would be better. I wouldnt put more of the hat jack into the hat than the leather hatband. If you tend to go above the hat band it will also leave an imprint of the stretcher on the crown. I would leave it overnight if possible. If the hat does get imprinted you should be able to steam it out. Careful not to hit the brim as it will reshape it.

Another useful thing you can do if your going to be wearing the hat for awhile is Steam the inside of the hat up really nicely and put it on. With the warmth of the hat it will actually make it bigger...and kind of shrink on your head. A couple of times and it should be good.

I use to sell western hats and did this type of stuff all day long.

 

[coughdrop]

A good thing to do is to get a teapot going and once the steam flows stick the hat around it. Watch out, though, because it's easy to burn the hat when you're near the stove. Get that steam around the band pretty good (rotate it a few times) then go to work. I've only done this & put the hat back on my head for an hour or so, which seemed to work--I never had a hat stretcher. But it worked for me, probably gave me an extra 1/8" anyway, which was what I needed.

Good luck, & let us know how it turns out.