How to Stretch Wallet Card Slots
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about the condition of your wallet card slots until something goes wrong. Maybe a card falls out every time you try to take it out, or perhaps the thin plastic has become so stretched out that the cards are constantly getting stuck. As a result, wallet card slots can get tight after extended use.
This guide will show you how to stretch them back to their original size. You’ll need a pair of scissors, a lighter, and a toothpick. Be very careful when trying the slots, as they may break if pulled too hard. In either case, it’s a good idea to fix the problem before it gets worse. Here are a few ways on how to stretch wallet card slots safely and effectively.
How to Stretch Wallet Card Slots: 10 Steps to Follow
1. Collect Several Plastic Cards:
You can use old gift cards, loyalty cards, etc., as long as they are thin and made of plastic. Make sure you don’t use more than ten cards; otherwise, the wallet will be too thick to close. Stick with ten for now; if you find that your wallet is still good after this test run, then feel free to keep adding cards.
2. Put Your Cards Inside:
Once you have all of your plastic cards, place them onto the slots of your wallet. Please make sure that they are in a row and all face the same way. Then, depending on the type of wallet you have, place them in an area where they can be slipped under a flap or opening.
3. Fasten Your Wallet:
At this point, your wallet is probably loose and doesn’t close well at all. This is a good thing; it will give you room to stretch out the cards when you’re ready. So take your time and relax; there is no rush.
4. Cut Each Card to Size:
Using a pair of scissors, cut each card down the middle on the front and the back. This will split it in half so that it is two thin layers of plastic instead of one thick layer. Next, cut the cards close to the edge since this will help them blend in.
5. Flip Each Card Over:
Take every card that has been cut in half and flip it over so that the rough side goes back down on top of your wallet. This will give the thicker side of the card a new surface to stretch, making getting your cards in and out easier.
6. Fill the Pockets With the Cards:
Begin by carefully sliding one of the cards underneath the first slot. Then, gently push it in so that it pops up on top, which means you’ve successfully made an opening for them all. Next, place every card back on top of your wallet this way since this will help them spread out evenly across the slots.
7. Use Your Lighter to Stretch the Slots:
Moving slowly, pick up your wallet by holding the opening where you inserted the top card. You mustn’t burn yourself on the flame or hold it too close for too long; this could make marks across the plastic. Next, run your lighter over every slot just enough so that the cards begin to bubble up. This is a sign that they are stretching, and it will make your wallet work better in the long run.
8. Use Oil to Wipe the Outside of the Wallet:
The oil will make the new cards easier to move around, but you have to be careful. Take a paper towel and lightly wipe any excess fluid off of your wallet before it dries. Be careful not to burn the wallet or damage it further with this step; you only want to apply enough oil so that the cards slide in without sticking or taking up too much space.
9. Check the Condition of Your Wallet:
Once you have completed these steps, take your wallet out for a spin. The extra stretch in the card slots should allow you to slip cards in and out without any trouble at all. If your wallet still has tight spots after another day or so, then it’s time to repeat the process.
10. Wipe Down the Wallet:
If you notice any discoloration or damage from using your lighter, take a clean paper towel and some rubbing alcohol. Wipe the wallet down to remove excess oil; try to avoid getting it wet if you can help it. Rubbing alcohol is better than water since that will remove the dye in most cases. Make sure that you let your wallet dry before putting anything else in it.
How to Loosen Up Stiff Leather Wallets
That’s a question many of us have asked ourselves at some point. For example, we often buy wallets, and they seem stiff and tight initially, but after using them for a while, we’ve noticed that the wallet becomes loose, and accepting new cards is not as easy anymore.
First of all, this is normal; leather has to be stretched to hold your cards and money. But don’t worry, there are some things you can do to prevent it from happening or make the wallet accommodate new cards better.
Here Are Some Tips and Suggestions
Here we have given some tips on how to stretch wallet card slots. Keep in mind that your wallet will stretch out with time, but you can help the process along. For example, if you’re impatient, you can force the wallet to expand faster! Here’s what you should do:
1) Put it on a table face down with one card on top of the wallet.
2) Put a book on top of the card and let it sit there overnight.
3) In the morning, take out the book and put in another card. Repeat until you have pushed all the cards toward the opening.
4) If your wallet is still a bit stiff, try to force a few more in by squeezing together the cards with the book again.
5) Put your wallet in a plastic bag, grab it tight and shake it up.
6) Take out your wallet, and you’ll see that most of the cards have moved to the opening, leaving just enough room for one or two more!
How To Soften Leather Wallet
Many leather goods, such as wallets or purses, can lose their firmness over time. This is because the natural oils from your skin gradually break down the material’s fibers and causes it to become dry and brittle. Through Tanning, these oils are replaced with a ‘plastic’ material that gives it its soft feel. Unfortunately, this will eventually break down and stretch out, making it too loose for the cards to stay inside.
Step 1: Soak The Wallet In Water
Fill up a sink or tub with cold water. Make sure it is high enough that your wallet can fit inside without folding it in half. Then, add some room temperature water, so you do not warp the leather.
Step 2: Wet The Wallet With A Spray Bottle
Fill a spray bottle with cold water and lightly mist your wallet’s exterior. You want to dampen it, not soak it. If you feel extra careful, you can use distilled water instead of tap water. On the flip side, you can skip this step if you are in a hurry.
Step 3: Apply A Light Coat Of Leather Conditioner
Using a cloth, apply a light coat of leather conditioner to your wallet’s exterior. You want to use just enough to feel like some moisturizer on the surface without making it feel wet or sticky. Let it rest for 1 minute.
Step 4: Buff The Conditioner Into The Leather
Using a different cloth, make sure the entire wallet has been lightly coated with the leather conditioner, and then start to polish it out. Keep buffing until the conditioner is gone and you have a nice coat of your skin’s natural oils on the surface. Do not use too much, and you only need a very thin layer.
Step 5: Let The Wallet Sit Overnight
Place the wallet on a flat surface and allow it to sit overnight. This allows the conditioner to settle into the leather’s fibers. If you are in a rush, this step can be skipped by using heat instead of moisture.
Step 6: Heat Up A Hair Dryer
Turn on your hairdryer and hold it at a distance from the wallet. You do not want to put it too close, or you might warp the leather. Instead, aim the airflow directly into different sections of your wallet until you feel that all of them have been given a good amount of heat.
Conclusion:
The best way to fix the problem of overstretched wallet card slots is with a simple solution. Cardholders can be stretched out by holding it tightly and pulling until the rubber band becomes loose again, or you could take scissors and cut off one end of the rubber band. This will make your cards easier to pull in and out without them getting stuck on each other.
If these options don’t work for you, consider purchasing an elasticized cardholder with more stretch than traditional wallets. These are perfect for people who like to carry many credit cards with them at all times because they hold everything securely while still giving room for expansion as needed!
We hope this blog post on how to stretch wallet card slots has been helpful. If you have any questions or want to know more, then feel free to comment below!
