How Does A Sheet Metal Shrinker Stretcher Work

They do come in handy once in a while but if the working edge shows it s better to use a different method.

How does a sheet metal shrinker stretcher work.

Separate dies are available for shrinking and stretching. Commercial shrinker stretchers clamp the edge between pairs of jaws that are then drawn together to shrink it or pulled apart to stretch it. The pictures demonstrate what the shrinker stretcher does to a flat piece of steel with a single 90 degree bend in it. Simple mechanical shrinker stretchers manual shrinker stretchers are commonly available tools that achieve the same results you have just obtained but through different means.

Up to 3 in. Shrinker stretcher set 2 body 2 jaws shrinker stretcher combo 1 body 2 jaws metal shrinker only 1 body 1 jaw. Here metal shaping expert teacher lazze shows you how to use a simple strip of metal and your shinker or stretcher to help make better curves or help find. The serrated jaws put marks in the metal.

These don t work that way. Save money by making your own windshield channels door jambs wheel openings and more. 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.

In this live video matt goes over how to use a shrinker stretcher. Mark simpson demonstrates how to use a shrinker stretcher and how it can be a real time saver in the shop. 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. Shrinking sheet metal refers to shortening an edge of the sheet thus forcing it into a radius or curve.

Their serrated jaws grip the metal and either force it laterally to shrink or stretch depending on the type of jaws installed. Step 3 starting on the metal. Powder coated to prevent rust. Hardened steel jaws have powerful force to curve and angle any 16 gauge aluminum 18 gauge mild steel 20 gauge stainless.

By using the stretch jaws the outside of the flange is lengthened creating a curved shape. John is correct about how they work.