How Do I Make Muskrat Pelt Stretchers?

A muskrat pelt is case skinned, which involves making a single cut along the backside of the hind legs. The tail and feet are cut off, and the head is completely skinned, leaving the nose on the pelt. The pelt is then pulled like a sock over an arrowhead-shaped stretcher to dry. You can purchase wire stretchers or make wooden stretching boards. Due to the pelt being thin and easily torn, the best woods for making boards are pine and basswood in 1/4- to 3/8-inch thicknesses, as these woods finish perfectly smoothly.

Things You'll Need

  • 24-inch by 6-inch boards
  • Measuring tape
  • Straight edge
  • Pencil
  • Jig or sabre saw
  • Wood rasp
  • Medium-grit sandpaper
  • Fine-grit sandpaper
  • Liquid wood sealer
  • Paintbrush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the 6-inch-wide boards into 24-inch lengths if the boards are longer. Measure across the board and determine the exact center. Draw a vertical line down the length of the board, separating the board into equal halves.

    • 2

      Measure and mark a 1/2-inch horizontal line across the vertical center line at the top of the board, 1/4 inch to either side of the line. Measure vertically down the center line 5 inches from the top and mark the spot.

    • 3

      Measure horizontally at the 5-inch mark 2-3/4 inches to either side of the center line. Draw this horizontal line, which should be a total of 5-1/2 inches long. This is the shoulder of the board.

    • 4

      Lay the straight edge on the board from the left edge of the 1/2-inch line to the left edge of the 5-1/2-inch line. Draw a line lightly along the straight edge from the top of the board to the 5-1/2-inch line. Repeat this line on the right side.

    • 5

      Draw to the outside of these two straight lines, making them slightly rounded and giving the upper portion of the board a bullet shape between the top of the board and the shoulder. Continue the line to the edge of the board on both sides. You will have to draw this by hand and eye it for symmetry.

    • 6

      Saw along the lines, producing a bullet-shaped board 1/2 inch at the top, 5-1/2 inches across at the shoulder and 6 inches at the bottom.

    • 7

      Rasp the square edges of both sides of the board, making the edges rounded. Do not round the bottom of the board--leave it square.

    • 8

      Sand the entire board with the medium-grit sandpaper until both sides and the edges are smooth. Finish sanding with the fine-grit sandpaper until the board is perfectly smooth.

    • 9

      Paint the board with a water sealer to protect it from moisture. When the board is dry, it is ready to use.