Looking for shrinker/stretcher & brake.

I got the Eastwood pair some time back. Works really slick and it's a solid feeling tool.

-Steve-

You know you're comparing a 20 in brake with a 30 inch brake don't you.

The shrinker/stretchers all look alike, you might find some differences if you could examine them first hand, but they're all made in China.

I've got the Harbor Freight 30 in brake, I reinforced it the way the Eastwood brake is, and it makes better, sharper bends, in thicker metal now. Before making that mod. the clamping bar would flex up in the middle, you'd get nice sharp bends on the ends, but the middle would be rounded.

I've also got a Harbor Freight beading roller, after I reinforced it, it worked much better too.

I still spent less money buying the Harbor Freight tools and reinforcing them, than I would have spent for the Eastwood versions.

One of my friends has the shrinker/stretcher tool, his is on a stand that has a foot control, it's much easier, and accurate, to hold the metal with both hands, and supply the pressure with you foot.

I bought a single Harbor fright shrinker stretcher that you have to swap dies in.

I then found returns on Evilbay and bought a complete pair for less than $40 with shipping! It was like $12 for one and $20 or so for the other. Thought about returning the fright one with double jaws but in the end just kept it for the jaws as they do wear over time.

If you have time, set a search on evilbay and they should come up.

If you buy one body and two jaws, I would be willing to work with you to sell you my new "spare" body. I doubt I will ever need it.

I've a Fury or Rage chop saw, people say they are too expensive and hard on blades, but I have found that just like the composite wheeled saws if you use your "mechanical feel" and don't force it, it cuts really nice and the part can be welded on immediately. It doesn't heat up metal and does not throw the black dust around. I'm not dissing the composite chop saws, just stating what I have.

I need a break, but so far have not been able to decide on one and have a really big space problem. My tools are taking up too much space to work on the cars !  WTF is up with this?
Drain bamage on my part I suspect! 

FuzzFace2 wrote: Wrambler,   I have not used the S/S yet but the saw worked great cutting metal for a sheet metal brake I built. I did a DIY post on it.   I have the same issues with tools at my house/garage not room for the tools I need/want for the jobs I have to do Oh well I just deal with it best I can Dave ----

Dave, You will love the shrinker stretcher! It is an awesome little tool that really changes the game when you need to make angles do weird things!  You have to be careful when stretching as it will tear the metal  if you try to push it to far in one spot.

I made a foot stand for mine, but screwed up the mountings and need to add to the top platform. There needs to be more space to allow the working from one to clear the other. Once you get all the tools, making it foot operated is a cool weekend project all on its own!

Another tool I bought that I love is a Throatless shear. I liked the Beverly shears, we have one at work, but could not swing the price of a new one, and at the time Harbor fright was having blade chipping issues. I found a third party guy up in New England. He beat Harbor's price and it has cut 16 gauge with no chipped blades. It is pretty awesome to cut sheet stock, with no noise, no power, just you and the tool! I made a stand for it too! no hand cramps from long cuts!

I have a 12" bead roller, still need the stand for it!

Does your brake work? just curious?