How Does A Sheet Metal Shrinker Stretcher Work

Shrinking sheet metal refers to shortening an edge of the sheet thus forcing it into a radius or curve.

How does a sheet metal shrinker stretcher work.

Commercial shrinker stretchers clamp the edge between pairs of jaws that are then drawn together to shrink it or pulled apart to stretch it. It does this with two sets of jaws. Make several passes until you can feel the metal becoming softer. These don t work that way.

The metal shrinker stretcher basically does exactly what its name implies. A shrinker stretcher is a valuable tool in sheet metal panel fabrication as well as fitting patch panels and other sheet metal parts. Mark simpson demonstrates how to use a shrinker stretcher and how it can be a real time saver in the shop. In this live video matt goes over how to use a shrinker stretcher.

John is correct about how they work. Mark simpson demonstrates how to use a shrinker stretcher and. A shrinker stretcher is a valuable tool in sheet metal panel fabrication as well as fitting patch panels and other sheet metal parts. Once the shrinker stretcher is secure you can start to work on the metal.

They do come in handy once in a while but if the working edge shows it s better to use a different method. Tape around the ends of your metal and then push it into the shrinker stretcher. For the first pass only push the jaws together half way as this will prevent the fresh metal from bunching up. As each one clamps down it also either compresses the metal or pulls it apart which creates the shrinking or stretching action.

Save money by making your own windshield channels door jambs wheel openings and more. Simple mechanical shrinker stretchers manual shrinker stretchers are commonly available tools that achieve the same results you have just obtained but through different means. Their serrated jaws grip the metal and either force it laterally to shrink or stretch depending on the type of jaws installed.