How to Bend Ribbed Metal Panels

A heavy towel will prevent hammering textures into the metal panels.

Ribbed and other textured metal panels can be difficult to bend because of the shaped surface. They can be bent the same way as traditional sheet metal, using a brake or hammering them over a wood or metal shape. Typically, bends are added parallel to the ribbing in the metal panels. If the bend must be perpendicular to the ribs, the ribs should be hammered flat along the bend line before the bending process begins.

Things You'll Need

• 4-by-4 lumber
• Pencil
• Saw
• 2 C-clamps
• Towel
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Mark the angle of the bend horizontally on a 4-by-4 piece of lumber. Cut along this mark line. Secure the lumber to a table by placing a C-clamp on each end.

2. Lay the ribbed metal panel over the wood, lining up the bend line along the crest of the cut lumber. Hold it in place with your hand.

3. Lay a towel or other thick cloth over the metal to prevent damage.

4. Hammer the metal through the towel, bending it over the wood underneath. Continue until the entire length of the metal has been bent.

Tips & Warnings

• There may be some "popping up" and the angle may not be as acute as the angle you want. If you must achieve an exact angle, you should use a sheet metal brake.

References

• Corrugated Metals: Glossary
• Great Wall Wire Mesh: Rib Lath