Useful Sheet Metal Tools
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 688
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From: British Columbia
Useful Sheet Metal Tools
Just been thinking of adding to my sheet metal tool list. Working on my '79 Supercab with miscellaneous sheet metal repairs, rust...you know what I mean lol. Have a 135 degree brake right now but thinking of getting a 30" 3 in 1 shear, brake and slip roll machine. Always need more room in the shop for all these machines and I don't have it, so, I thought maybe combining them into one might help. I realize the 3 in 1's aren't as good as the single machines by themselves but are they that bad? What's your guys experiences out there? Any advice? What do you use or find the most useful in your sheet metal restorations? I'm looking forward to hearing it all. Thanks everyone.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
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I seem to get the most use from the flexible tools. Air shear, air nibbler, high speed cutoff wheel. I prefer to use re-pop panels where a lot of shaping is involved. On occasion I have used an acetylene torch to help with complex shapes not available re-pop. Once in a while a brake would be handy. I have used heavy steel strips or angles clamped to a bench + hammer as a substitute. For (rare) long straight cuts I have used a straight edge guide or I do pretty well with an air shear free hand.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
For your consideration:
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- Shrinker and stretcher... foot-operated.
- Hole punch (for rosette welds)
- Magnets from Harbor Freight
- Butt-joint clips ("panel holders") from Harbor Freight
- Clecos
- A gazillion locking clamps of various sizes.... again, Harbor Freight.
.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 357
Likes: 11
From: Roanoke, VA
i have a vise mounted shrinker/stretcher that comes is used alot for fabricating windshield channel patches, doglegs in doors, etc...
other than that I have my 36” brake, my air shears, air punch/flange tool, couple cutoff wheels, multiple grinders, clecos, panel buttweld clamps... I also have a 2ft section of old train rail that makes a great shaping anvil, various body hammers & assortment of body dollies
alot more I would like, as I love metal fab but space is limited until I build my shop
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: British Columbia
An anvil would be nice. Always looking for someone getting rid of one. Stupid question I know, but what are clecos? 
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
He’s referring to theseEastwood Buttweld Panel Clamps
i have a vise mounted shrinker/stretcher that comes is used alot for fabricating windshield channel patches, doglegs in doors, etc...
Thanks skyhawc.
... Lemme add a homemade tool... a "third finger":
http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/...nd-forum-1.jpg
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