How Does A Sheet Metal Shrinker Stretcher Work

As each one clamps down it also either compresses the metal or pulls it apart which creates the shrinking or stretching action.

How does a sheet metal shrinker stretcher work.

A shrinker stretcher is a valuable tool in sheet metal panel fabrication as well as fitting patch panels and other sheet metal parts. These don t work that way. A shrinker stretcher is a valuable tool in sheet metal panel fabrication as well as fitting patch panels and other sheet metal parts. Their serrated jaws grip the metal and either force it laterally to shrink or stretch depending on the type of jaws installed.

It does this with two sets of jaws. In this live video matt goes over how to use a shrinker stretcher. Mark simpson demonstrates how to use a shrinker stretcher and. Shrink or stretch metal.

They do come in handy once in a while but if the working edge shows it s better to use a different method. The serrated jaws put marks in the metal. The metal shrinker stretcher basically does exactly what its name implies. Shrinking sheet metal refers to shortening an edge of the sheet thus forcing it into a radius or curve.

Make several passes until you can feel the metal becoming softer. Commercial shrinker stretchers clamp the edge between pairs of jaws that are then drawn together to shrink it or pulled apart to stretch it. For the first pass only push the jaws together half way as this will prevent the fresh metal from bunching up. Tape around the ends of your metal and then push it into the shrinker stretcher.

Separate dies are available for shrinking and stretching. Save money by making your own windshield channels door jambs wheel openings and more. Once the shrinker stretcher is secure you can start to work on the metal.