14 best sheet metal brake

Product description

Portable Mini Brake, Bending Length 48 In, Capacity of Mild Steel 22 Gauge, Max Box Depth Infinite In, Max Lift of Beam 0.375 In, Structural Steel, Compact Size, Extra Wide Feet, No Fixed Throat Depth, Dual-Direction, Cam-over Style Clamps

From the Manufacturer

Malco's new Mini Brake is lightweight and compact, but it can do a heavy-duty job. Ideal for fabricating plenums and large transitions at the job site, the Malco Mini Brake easily makes bends up to 135 degrees in galvanized sheet metal up to 22 gauge. It can accommodate sheet metal up to 4 feet wide and any length because there is no fixed throat depth to contend with. The Mini Brake is also capable of making compact fabrications as small as a 4-inch square. Strengthening ribs on the brakes's anvil and apron assure consistent, tightly formed bends. A safety-conscious, cam-over style clamping mechanism, similar to much larger brakes, keeps the anvil secure in any position. At only 58 pounds net-weight the Mini Brake is easy to transport. Its compact size is suitable for use virtually anywhere on the job-site. Extra-wide bases offer stability even when operating on a truck tailgate. Optional legs are sold separately and are easily installed on site. The portable Malco Mini Brake is truly a breakthrough product for busy professionals.

• Bends up to 135 degrees in 22 gauge galvanized sheet metal
• Bends metal roofing components and roof flashing including copper and aluminum
• Bends narrow roof-flashing strips
• Ideal for fabricating plenums or large transitions at the job site
• Makes compact fabrications as small as a 4-inch square
• Accommodates sheet metal up to 4 feet wide
• Adjustable strengthening ribs

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this machine make 45 degree bends on 22 gauge stainless steel
Answer:	I would think so - it fits on my Breedlove 12 string which has a slightly broader nut than your Gibson. It's a good capo and holds all the strings down.
Question:	Does it come with those amazing safety goggles that the guy is wearing in the pictures
Answer:	Assuming the 212 is for a 12 string, these work great. I have an old guild 12 with a very wide fret board and use these. Easy to use. Does effect tuning slightly.
Question:	Does this work well
Answer:	I've used it on my 6-string classical guitar. Seems to work fine on pretty much any guitar. It's going to grip a bit tighter than needed for those nylon strings, so you may (or may not) need to retune. But it's a good idea to check your intonation anyway and fine-tune as needed after applying or removing a capo on any guitar.
Question:	Would this brake be capable of bending 20 or 18 gauge sheet metal at the 4' length
Answer:	Fits on my Takamine 12 string. Should work fine on any 12 string as it is longer than a 6 string capo

Product features

Portable Mini Brake, 48 In, 22 Ga Capacity

Make big or small fabrications on the job with this lightweight and portable tool! The versatile Mini-Brake produces bends up to 135 degrees in sheet metals, including aluminum, copper, and 22-gauge galvanized steel. The brake’s compact size can accommodate sheet metal stock up to 4-feet wide, in any length, because there is no fixed throat depth to contend with.

Product description

This Pan and Box Brake is an indispensable tool if you need to increase the strength of sheet metal plates with bends, or you intend on fabricating more complicated brackets, gussets, boxes, or fixtures. The removable and adjustable fingers can be installed in a variety of positions to accommodate varying widths of metal. The Model M1011 bends mild steels up to 20 gauge thick, 24" wide, and ranging in angle from 0° to 135°. Specifications: Max. workpiece width: 24". Max. bending capacity: 20 gauge. Box fingers: 1" (x2), 2" (x4), 3" (x2), 4" (x2). Brake angle: 0-135°. Footprint: 10-1/2" x 26-1/4". Max. box depth: 1-3/4". Approximate shipping weight: 99 lbs.

• Material capacity: 24-Inch by 20 gauge mild steel
• Brake angle: 0-135 Degrees
• Approximate shipping weight: 91-Pounds
• Maximum box depth: 1-3/4-Inch
• Footprint: 10-1/2-Inch by 26-1/4-Inch.Box fingers: 1" (x2), 2" (x4), 3" (x2), 4" (x2)

User questions & answers

Question:	Why does this look different from the one listed on the grizzly website
Answer:	Can’t say for sure I don’t look a little different in Color shade that’s mostly what I see
Question:	Can this be shipped to Vermont
Answer:	We do ship to any state located in the lower contiguous US.
Question:	Where can someone get replacement parts for this? I need a new handle and to replace one of the "teeth
Answer:	Shop Fox is product of Woodstock Int.you will need to contact them on their web site https://www.woodstockint.com/parts
Question:	Do you think I could bend .100" x 1" wide Zinc plated steel 90 degrees
Answer:	I just bent a sample piece, it will do it, if properly adjusted. But if thats a thickness you will bend a lot a press brake may be a better option. I will add that I have been very happy with this brake. Its perfect for the home shop and I have done some nice work for my race car with it!

Product features

Shop Fox M1011 24-Inch Pan and Box Brake

This pan and box brake is an indispensable tool if you need to increase the strength of sheet metal plates with bends, or you intend on fabricating more complicated brackets, gussets, boxes, or fixtures. The Model M1011 bends mild steels up to 20 gauge thick, 24-inches wide, and ranging in angle from 0 to 135-degrees.

Adjustable Fingers

The removable and adjustable fingers can be installed in a variety of positions to accommodate varying widths of metal.

Quick indexing of one or many fingers makes this the perfect machine for multiple applications. Achieve extremely sharp bends and easily adjust the fingers closer or farther from the point of bend.

Heavy Duty Hold Down Clamp Lever

Bending sheet metal is a breeze with the M1011. The heavy duty hold down clamp lever allows for clamping and unclamping the sheet metal through the cam mechanism. This machine is built to take on any serious bending work.

Product description

This unique Pan & Box Brake uses your bench vise as a sturdy base when you need to make precision bends on small sheet metal components. 12" maximum bending width and 20 gauge maximum capacity in mild steel. Four finger sizes include 1", 2", 3" and 6". 23 lbs. shipping weight.

• Bends up to 20 ga mild steel
• Package dimensions: 17.5" x 10.5" x 3.5"
• Approximate weight: 23 lbs

User questions & answers

Question:	Could it bend 3/16th alum? A 4" wide piece
Answer:	Yes. No doubt about that size aluminum. It's a nice small break.
Question:	How does this thing mount to the workbench
Answer:	It mounts (or is held) by a vice.
Question:	How wide is the v-die? I'm curious about how small of a flange i could make with this
Answer:	looks to be around 7/ 16"
Question:	How well does this work with a smaller box, say, 7x3x
Answer:	I love it. The best thing I think I could say is as a Mr. Fix Everything I need a brake from time to time. I have a light duty Sheet metal brake for duct-work. This is NOTHING like that. This is far heavier and I have made numerous boxes brackets and such... It should have been in my shop years ago! Great Product and I see no reason why a box of the size you are describing should not be easy to make with this.

Product description

These light-duty Benders are the perfect tool to have in every workshop. They easily and quickly form sheet metal up to 22 gauge and are amazingly affordable. 30" capacity.

• Forms sheet metal up to 22 ga
• Package dimensions: 7.5" x 36.75" x 3.5"
• Approximate weight: 30.6 lbs

User questions & answers

Question:	Can this brake be used to make bends LESS than 90 degrees (for instance, bends of 45 degrees)? Also, what is the minimum 'lip' it needs to grab on to in order to create the bend?.....will a 'lip' of 5/8" work
Answer:	The G9952 30" Bender should bend down to approximately a 45°, slightly beyond. As for the minimum lip required, there are a variety of factors that can affect the bend from the width of the material being bent at the time to how and where the clamps are placed. The 5/8" should not be an issue at full width, when properly clamped.
Question:	Does this brake come with the clamping plate shown in the pictures
Answer:	Quality is lacking on this item handles can not be secured, line up is not marked so have to guess where brake is ,has plate that need to be secured either by your own clamps or vice grips. I made it work but would recommend to look for something better if bending much. Only got 1 handle it just sit in hole not screwed in and no set screw
Question:	It appears use of clamps is necessary which reduce effective width. What is actual usable width? Also could holes be drilled to use bolts rather than
Answer:	Drill at your own peril. I will assume the width might refer to depth. Only way to minimize that would be deep throat clamps. Hope this helps
Question:	Now i'm worried. i just saw the 2 c-clamps in the picture. does this thing require c clamps in order to work
Answer:	Yes,two welding vise grip style clamps are best in a small size ,Milwaukee makes one thats perfecct ,a plate of steel included,must be clamped down and aluminum won't bend to 90 deg.

Product description

Crescent Wiss® products have been earning their reputation for craftsmanship and long life since 1848. One result: Crescent Wiss has been the market leading “call-out brand” for aviation snips for over 50 years. The wide product line includes scissors, industrial shears, utility knives, Siding and HVAC tools… all with famous Crescent Wiss quality built in.

From the Manufacturer

Wiss 24-Inch Metal Folding Tool-HVAC.

• Commonly used for folding channels and making long uniform bends in sheet metal
• 3/8-inch and 1-inch depth folding channel to ensure proper depth alignment
• Constructed of heavy 16-gauge steel that keeps folding channels from widening and ensures precise and accurate bends
• Ideal for making long, uniform folds

User questions & answers

Question:	I am looking for a 6 or 8 feet long
Answer:	Good luck, then.
Question:	What guage of sheet metal will this work on
Answer:	I did use on 24 gauge copper and that was beginning to push limits of clean bend IMO. It easily bends standard 26-30 guage galvanized sheet metal used for ductwork...and what I primarily use it for....quick bends in the field...not to be confused with crisp bends of a shop brake tool.
Question:	Is it one solid piece or is it 2 sperate pieces fused together
Answer:	I looked at it and it appears to be made of 2 layers, so I'd say it is 2 pieces fused together.
Question:	does this work for aluminum coil like to use this for small stuff
Answer:	Contractor replying. This tool will bend aluminum no problem. Note the advertising stating it is designed to bend typical thickness steel as used in home ducting, which is what I use it for most often. I have also used it to bend 24 guage copper, which is much thicker/stiffer yet. (Note you cannot compare steel, copper, and aluminum gauges....the formula is based upon weight).Coil stock aluminum is like paper in comparison to what this tool is capable of. Note the "throat" depth is 1" max. Also know this is not designed for real crisp bends as a contractors brake can perform, because the tool does not clamp. Rather, there is a fixed gap in the tool, and especially with aluminum coil stock, the point of bend is a radius. It will we straight, just not real crisp. Hope this helps.

Product features

Crescent Wiss 24" Folding Tool

• Commonly Used for Folding Channels and Making Long Uniform Bends in Sheet Metal
• 3/8" and 1" Depth Folding Channel to Ensure Proper Depth Alignment
• Constructed of Heavy 16 Gauge Steel that Keeps Folding Channels from Widening and Ensures Precise and Accurate Bends
• Ideal for Making Long Uniform Folds

Product description

The IRWIN VISE-GRIP Original Locking Sheet Metal Tool, 8", makes bending, forming, and crimping sheet metal easier than ever. Constructed of high-grade heat-treated alloy steel for maximum toughness and durability, this metal bender also features the original locking mechanism that made VISE-GRIP famous. A turn screw adjusts pressure to fit work, and stays adjusted for repetitive use while the classic trigger release delivers maximum locking force. Backed by the IRWIN Lifetime Guarantee.

From the Manufacturer

Sheet Metal Locking Tool, measures 8 inches, and a jaw width of 3-1/8 inches and throat depth of 1-3/4 inches, locks to the work with a powerful grip, makes bread-pan corners, and can crimp and double crimp and stretch upholstery webbing. Irwin tools are made of only the finest materials, manufactured to exacting tolerances.

• Makes bending, forming, and crimping sheet metal easier
• Turn screw adjusts pressure to fit work
• Constructed of high-grade heat-treated alloy steel for durability
• Classic trigger release designed to provide maximum locking force
• Stays adjusted for repetitive use

User questions & answers

Question:	Do these close flat? It looks like just the front edge touches the sheet metal
Answer:	Nope, Taiwan. The packaging clearly shows this, and the country or origin is a lie. Irwin sold out the Vise-Grip brand in 2008 and moved all production to East Asia. The quality is terrible now. If you want a quality tool I'd recommend Channellock (USA) or Knipex (Germany).
Question:	Is the product made in USA
Answer:	Plates open at the end to widest at 2". The plates are parallel at 3/4".
Question:	What's widest plates open to
Answer:	3 inches
Question:	What's the width of the jaw plates
Answer:	The set I received were the newer, push button adjustable ones. GJM

Product features

IRWIN VISE-GRIP Original Locking Sheet Metal Tool, 8"

With the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Original Locking Sheet Metal Tool forming, bending, and crimping sheet metal is easy for precise work. The Original Locking Mechanism stays adjusted for repetitive use, while the classic guarded trigger keeps the tool securely attached until you're ready to let go.

Built-to-Last

The IRWIN VISE-GRIP Original Locking Sheet Metal Tool is constructed of high-grade, heat-treated alloy steel to tackle the toughest jobs for years to come.

Wide Flat Jaws

Bend, crimp, and form sheet metal quickly and easily.

Guarded Trigger Release

Metal working tool stays securely locked with the classic guarded trigger release.

Adjustable Pressure

Pressure adjusts to fit work and stays adjusted for repeated use.

Product description

These have to be the slickest and cheapest way to bend sheet metal. The dies mount into your vise and are held magnetically. Slide your sheet metal in and bend by tightening the vise! The press fingers are sectional and can be removed allowing small boxes to be made. Great crafter's tool! Size: 6".

• For bending sheet metal
• Package dimensions: 4.1" x 6.5" x 2.2"
• Approximate weight: 4.25 lbs

User questions & answers

Question:	Has anyone tried this on 12 gauge steel
Answer:	I have been bending 1/8" mild steel with no problem and 3/16" with heat from an acetylene/oxygen torch (metal must turn red). Since 12 gauge is only about 0.1", it should be no problem however you must have a good solid vise.
Question:	The blade looks pretty sharp, can you cut aluminum with it
Answer:	The blade comes to a pretty fine point. If you use the corresponding piece in the other jaw, it gives it room to bend. If you had something flat on the other side instead, you may well be able to cut something.

Product description

Midwest Snips, made in the USA, patent pending Interchangeable Blade Seamers are tradesman quality and offer both the distributor and end-user space and cost savings. Blades are interchangeable on both straight and offset models. Forged steel blades are offered in 3-inch and 6-inch lengths and extruded aluminum blades are available in 5-inch and 9-inch lengths. Choose the blade type most often used in the desired handle style and add inexpensive blade kits for quick change-over when needed. Features New KUSH'N-POWER Grips. Most often used by siding, roofing, and window installers to bend and form siding and window trim, soffit, fascia,and flashing materials. Blades are interchangeable with all other Midwest Snips Replaceable Blade Seamer models.

• STRAIGHT HANDLE SEAMER - Use to bend or form sheet metal and other pliable sheet materials. 1-1/4" throat depth with 1/4" depth graduations
• INTERCHANGEABLE BLADES - Aluminum blades available in 5", 9" and 15" sizes with quick change over
• HEAVY DUTY COMPONENTS -Brackets are hot drop-forged of high carbon steel for strength and durability
• STRONGEST HANDLES - High tensile strength steel will not bend from hand pressure and provides efficient conversion of hand force
• COMFORTABLE GRIPS - Kush'N-Power grips conforms with the motion of the user's hands and the indented ribs prevent hand and finger slippage

User questions & answers

Question:	What is the maximum depth of this bender
Answer:	Good afternoon and thank you for emailing us about bender. Please see below the 3" (76.2mm) x 1 1/4" (31.8mm) blades with 1 7/16" (36.5mm) throat depth 5" (127.0mm) x 2" (50.8mm) blades with 2 1/4" (57.2mm) throat depth 6" (152.4mm) x 1 1/4" (31.8mm) blades with 1 7/16" (36.5mm) throat depth 9" (228.6mm) x 2" (50.8mm) blades with 2 1/4" (57.2mm) throat depth 15" (381mm) blades with 2" (50.8mm) throat depth Thank you and have a great day!
Question:	What is the width of bending blade
Answer:	5 inch

Product features

Excellent Metal Bending from Midwest Tool and Cutlery

Manufacturing metal cutting snips and related hand tools since 1945, Midwest has operated with a professional and high quality mindset. Midwest has developed and owned numerous product designs that enhance the USA made product performance. Bending and folding tools are equipped with comfortable handles and a durable design for long life for whatever job is at hand. With quality and durability at hand, the Midwest seamers are made to last.

Product description

This 24" (610mm) folding tool seams are formed from two steel halves permanently joined together. The handy sight holes assure proper depth alignment with 3/8" (9.5 mm) & 1" (25.4 mm) depths gauges. This extra-long folding tool may also be used as a mini-brake in roofing and siding applications.

• Folding seams are formed from two steel halves, permanently joined together
• Handy sight holes assure proper depth alignment
• 3/8 inch and 1 inch folding depths
• Can be used as a mini-brake by roofing and siding applicators
• Also available in 18 inch and 12 inch lengths
• Made in the USA

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this actually a Malco bar fold? I don’t see any stickers
Answer:	Yes this is a Malco bar fold for 3/8" and 1".
Question:	I need a tool to make "L" fascia to cover wood trim in ~10ft lengths. Would this work for long pieces
Answer:	It can be done but have to do it a little at the time in the 5 bends so you don't wrinkle the metal.Best would be a long metal brake that they use for siding.
Question:	Based on experience what's thickest gauge sheet metal that this tool is able to bend cleanly? I'm considering one for at home autobody repair projects
Answer:	Thought you were talking about roller tool. The straight folding tools bend 24 gauge no problem as well. Only can go 1" deep for bend though
Question:	I'm looking for a quick way to hem 8' strips of 20G stainless about 1/2 - 1" down the whole length. Will this work
Answer:	Going to let you know now, I work with 20Ga galvanized on the daily, This works great for 24-30 GA but once you hit 22GA not only will your hands and wrists start to hate you, but the tool actually starts to separate, I attempted it on a few pieces of 20 major regrets.

Product description

Folding Tool, Folding Depth 3/8 In. and 1 In., Overall Length 12 In., Metal Gauge 22, Safety Latch No, Material Steel, Features Folding Seams Formed From Two Steel Halves Permanently Joined Together, Sight Holes Assure Proper Depth Alignment

From the Manufacturer

12 inch folding tool is ideal for HVAC applications such as 3/8-inch folds for drive cleats and 1-inch deep folds for joist panning, plenums, register boots, trunk line end caps and more. Folding seams are formed from two steel halves, permanently joined together. Handy sight holes assure proper depth alignment. 12-inch (31 cm) Folding Tool with 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) and 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) depths .

• Mpn: 12F
• Country of manufacture: United States
• Manufacturer: Malco
• Folding seams are formed from two steel halves, permanently joined together
• Creates 3/8-Inch and 1-Inch fold depths in ductwork
• Handy sight holes assure proper depth alignment

User questions & answers

Question:	Will it work on 20 gauge sheet metal
Answer:	I tried making a 1/2” hem on some .22 gauge sheet metal today and it splayed the folding tool. I think .24 gauge is its working limit. Great tool for what it does though
Question:	I need to bend 16mil & 22mil copper for a project for the scouts. Will this tool do the job along with a 6" Wiss hand seaming tool
Answer:	Note that the tool only can bend an edge strip, 3/8 or 1 inch wide, or less, that is inserted into a long slot that deep. it you need to bend a sheet in half, you need a brake or a vice to do that. Also note that the bending force is manually applied. So the mil of the copper must be such that you can bend it by hand when it is in a vice, for example. This tool gives a clean bend for its length (12"). Then the tool can be moved along for a longer edge.

Product description

Perfect for any shop, handyman or hobbyist. Quick and easy adjustments for bends to almost any angle.

• Powerful 30-Inch bender handles up to 16 gauge aluminum and 18 gauge sheet metal
• 12-Inch bending handles with knobs provide additional leverage for easy bending
• Mounting holes in base for stationary or portable applications
• Made in USA
• Constructed of heavy duty 1/4-Inch extruded aluminum

Product description

Precision sheet metal fabrication tool. Ergonomic, over-molded handles are comfortable to reduce fatigue and non-slip for better control and safety. LENOX precision sheet metal fabrication tools are ideal for HVAC projects.

• Precision sheet metal fabrication tool.
• Ergonomic, over-molded handles are comfortable to reduce fatigue and non-slip for better control and safety.
• LENOX precision sheet metal fabrication tools are ideal for HVAC projects.

• Hand Seamer Makes bending, forming, and crimping sheet metal easier
• Optimal handle span for maximum power and comfortable operating range. With Bi-material cushion grip ensures a firm, comfortable grip
• 1-1/4 by 3-inch (3.2 by 7.6cm) jaw span provides a strong surface range for working
• Clamping surface is designed with gaps for versatility and best gripping results
• Favorite tool for professional sheet metal tradesman and contractors.

Product features

Bend, Seam and Flatten

• Produces a permanent, tight-fitting seam
• Optimal handle span for maximum power

Metal Bender

• Used to bend and flatten sheet metal
• Optimal handle span for maximum power from an ergonomic operating range

Heavy-duty steel clamp surface

• Markings on the sides of the hand seamers make it easy to get precise results.

About Us

Read Oak Tools is a great online Tools and Home Improvement store. We've been distributing high quality and affordable Hand Tools and Home Improvement products since 2006, located in Hillside, NJ and Weston, FL.

At Red Oak Tools, we strive to provide our customers with Safe, Quality and Durable products.

Product description

Description: Wiss 12-Inch Folding Tool Folding Channel Depths:-3/8-Inch and 1-Inch.

From the Manufacturer

Wiss 12-Inch Metal Folding Tool-HVAC.

• Commonly Used For Folding Channels And Making Long Uniform Bends In Sheet Metal
• 3/8-Inch And 1-Inch Depth Folding Channel To Ensure Proper Depth Alignment
• Constructed Of Heavy 16-Gauge Steel That Keeps Folding Channels From Widening And Ensures Precise And Accurate Bends
• Ideal For Folding Drive Cleat Channels With-3/8-Inch Depth To Make Longer, Wider Folds In Register Boots, End Caps, Plenums, Etc

User questions & answers

Question:	How does it work to bend metal
Answer:	This took if for sheet metal duct work. You slide the edge of the metal into the correct side for which ever joint you are making and bend the edge. It has a slot the length ofnthentoolnjust wide enough for the metal to slip in. One side is 1 inch and the other side is 3/8 inch I believe.
Question:	up to what gauge metal will it bend
Answer:	Hello Sandra, The question is answered on the Common Questions "26-28 gauge with no problem.maybe even 24 -22 gauge. Smaller u go in gauge the thicker the metal!!" I used this to work with aluminum sheet metal. This worked fine.
Question:	What is the width of the channel
Answer:	I don’t have mine here right now. The sides are different. It does work very good and I would recommend it.
Question:	What maximum gauge of aluminum will this bend
Answer:	I am not sure, but if it is soft alum, what ever will fit in the bender. I only bought it for bending furnace pipe and that is steel it works good. (I would try it on a piece of alum. but it is at another home I own 1000 miles from here)

Product features

Crescent Wiss 12" Folding Tool

Features:

• Commonly Used for Folding Channels and Making Long Uniform Bends in Sheet Metal
• 3/8" and 1" Depth Folding Channel to Ensure Proper Depth Alignment
• Constructed of Heavy 16 Gauge Steel that Keeps Folding Channels from Widening and Ensures Precise and Accurate Bends
• Ideal for Folding Drive Cleat Channels with 3/8" Depth to Make Longer Wider Folds in Register Boots, End Caps, Plenums, Etc

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