How to Bend Sheet Metal Using a Brake

Metal brakes come in a variety of sizes from numerous companies.

Working with metal can be a lucrative and enjoyable pastime or hobby. Metalworkers utilize all sorts of tools, including shears, grinders and punches. However, one of the tools most used by metal workers is the metal brake. The brake is a device that allows you to insert a piece of sheet metal into its jaws, then use a long lever to bend or "brake" the metal to the desired angle. This tool is useful for making a variety of metal objects, and is relatively straightforward to operate.

Instructions

1. Completely lay out your finished product design on paper. You need to have an idea of what your product will look like, so you can design the bends and sequence of bends that need to be made.

2. Lay out the design on a piece of cardboard, then make in the cardboard the bends that your design will require. This will give you an idea of the best way to make all of the bends in the sheet metal.

3. Draw out your design on the sheet metal and make any necessary cuts. Insert the sheet metal into the brake, with the direction of the desired bend facing away from you. Grab the handle and pull it toward you, using the markings on the side of the instrument to determine when your desired angle is reached. Proceed in the same manner for the remainder of your bends.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are working with particularly thick sheet metal, you can use a torch to heat up the area of the bend a bit as you use the brake. This will make the metal more pliable as you work with it.

• Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with metal and metal brakes.

Resources

• Plans for makng your own at-home metal brake