How Does A Sheet Metal Shrinker Stretcher Work

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How does a sheet metal shrinker stretcher work. If you do not have a suitable bench for securing the tool then you will need to use a pipe notching tool to make holes in a sheet of metal. They do come in handy once in a while but if the working edge shows it s better to use a different method. Great for auto body trim work and door panel edging this metal shrinker and stretcher set is designed to create radius bends and contours in sheet metal. The pictures demonstrate what the shrinker stretcher does to a flat piece of steel with a single 90 degree bend in it.

Hardened steel jaws have powerful force to curve and angle any 16 gauge aluminum 18 gauge mild steel 20 gauge stainless. Separate dies are available for shrinking and stretching. Shrinking sheet metal refers to shortening an edge of the sheet thus forcing it into a radius or curve. Simple mechanical shrinker stretchers manual shrinker stretchers are commonly available tools that achieve the same results you have just obtained but through different means.

Step 3 starting on the metal. Mark simpson demonstrates how to use a shrinker stretcher and how it can be a real time saver in the shop. Using the shrinker side of the tool would cause the metal to shrink forming an arc in the opposite direction. John is correct about how they work.

Shrinker stretcher set 2 body 2 jaws shrinker stretcher combo 1 body 2 jaws metal shrinker only 1 body 1 jaw. A shrinker stretcher is a valuable tool in sheet metal panel fabrication as well as fitting patch panels and other sheet metal parts. In this live video matt goes over how to use a shrinker stretcher. Their serrated jaws grip the metal and either force it laterally to shrink or stretch depending on the type of jaws installed.

Powder coated to prevent rust. The serrated jaws put marks in the metal. Commercial shrinker stretchers clamp the edge between pairs of jaws that are then drawn together to shrink it or pulled apart to stretch it. You can then secure the metal to the table using vise grips and bolt the shrinker stretcher to the holes in the metal.

With the shrinker stretcher you don t need to cut and weld in order to create curves in sections simply shrink or stretch the metal into smooth even curvatures in a fraction of the time. Save money by making your own windshield channels door jambs wheel openings and more.