16 gauge at almost exactly 18" seems like a lot of resistance for such a little brake. Glad to see it *can* be done, but this is a clear demonstration that it probably *shouldn't* be done for a number of reasons. Glad you demonstrated it, glad you didn't hurt yourself. I bet it would do just fine with a much smaller piece in length, say maybe 6-8" as it seems like it's intended for light metal bends and small build projects. I think now certainly this is exactly what I need, but I'll need to precut the metal to size beforehand... That's probably the right way to do it anyway. Thank you again!
I had given up on mine trying to bend 0.035 4130 chrome-moly. However, you proved that with a bunch of help this could bend it. Thanks for toughing it out and proving the point.
Man! I'm glad that thing didn't beak on you. I was cringing at the thought of it snapping and that sheet metal laying your arm wide open! Thanks for the demo. I bought one and will use it for light stuff. Overpriced in my opinion.
That was a nail-biter! Wasn't sure if the workbench was going to break apart first, or the adjustable wrenches! It was a great idea to use the wrenches... not sure that would have been my first thoughts when the handle bent. I'd recommend rotating the wrenches so you apply force towards the adjustable jaw to avoid the screw mechanism from busting first.
Nice review and clearly demonstrates a weakness I had not considered before. Thanks. Was thinking of using to bend .093" 5052 Aluminum. Given your results with 1/8" I'm having second thoughts although my application would not use full length.
Alum. a lot softer should do fine for .093 T 6 a little stiffer. 16 half it would do better bought one cheap but quite useful for little projects I used 4 vises works good adjust for thickness metal on hold down plate or more softer edge.
It's possible to bend the 16g, but not ideal. It's good for smaller gauge hobby type stuff. It's a good review. Edit Almost forgot. As it was being bent, it looked like a 3/4 pipe handle in a "H" configuration would help with leverage. Maybe a 3rd handle in the middle to help get a tighter bend in the middle of the piece.
I used it for a couple of small projects. I never really had any intention to bend any that heavy, I figured I would test Harbor Freight’s claim regarding it’s capacity. 😁
Nice Review & Test !!! I would have liked to have seen some bends with lighter gauge sheets to learn the TRUE capacity of this Brake to give a nice, tight 90 - what the max ideal would be for this $40 Brake.
I've used this with great results but it's really best for thin aluminum, like a notch above flashing. Also, if you're trying to bend harder aluminum, even thin, remember that it has a grain. Try bending in both directions on a sample. Generally it will bend easier if the bend is in line with the length of the original sheet it came from at the mill.
I have one of these but have used it for light 6" lengths of aluminum and for copper sheeting - worked well. I did like to see your review showing its performance at maximum capacity. Hey you got a workout on your pecs without going to the gym -LOL.
I would get longer steel handles and thread them for the handles. Also can the brake be turned around so you are pushing downward and it would be easier. Reinforce the metal piece that bends the metal and that will give you more leverage. Thanks
Good review. Not meaning this toward you in particular, but I got one of these and, I'm astonished that none of the ten or so UA-cam reviews I viewed mentioned, as near as I can recall, that this thing is just two pieces of angle iron! Just angle iron welded to a pivot and ground on two surfaces. Angle iron! That said, carefully set up it should do the advertised 16 ga. without too much difficulty, though I have yet to try it. I did do some 16 ga. aluminum and it was effortless.
Good video. It would have been a bit more informative if you had started with a shorter piece of 16 gauge just to see the point of acceptability - e.g., would bending a 4" piece of 16 gauge give good results, but 12" does not.
Bolt or weld on same length a 1/4" angle to the bottom of the breaker bar, and bolt on two 12" length's x 1/4 Chanel's to the push bars and 6"x 1/2" plates to the mounting plates on a 2' x 2' x 1" plywood . as not to tear up your work bench. thickness and leverage are key.
I just bought one of these and was going to return it but now I think I'm going to modify it as you said- I want to do a tight bend on a 1 ft long 18 guage
You needed a couple of 2 foot cheaters on those adjustable wrenches. Good review as I didn't think it would have held together at max capacity. Perhaps the bars could have benefited from extra support like the big ones have.
Robert Oswalt, thanks. I bought this for mostly aluminum and lighter gauge steel. I was just curious if it could do as advertised. Longer handles would definitely made it easier, I don’t think it would last long with repeated full capacity use though.
Well,, it says it will bend 18 in metal. Doesn't say it will bend it accurately. Also, not many uses of this would require a rebuild of your bench. Great vid
How do you think it would fair against an 1/8th inch thick piece of 5052 aluminum? Approximately 12" wide and I can even score a mark in the bend with an angle grinder or file or cut some holes across the bend line if needed. Thinks it's even possible?
@@welcometothemachineshop466 - shit, well thanks for the update. I only have one piece to try this on and don't want to mess it up. That's not on another video is it so I can see how it turned out?
@@welcometothemachineshop466 Awesome well I definitely appreciate you taking the time to try it for your own and let me know! I think I'm either gonna anneal this thing before bending or score an 1/8th wide line about 1mm deep. I think that should let me get a bend albeit maybe not a pretty one. Thanks for all your help buddy!
The Harbor Freight units are OK if you modify them to get rid of the clamps. ua-cam.com/video/sQsZKuZgFL8/v-deo.html I got the 30" unit, and bolted a piece of 3/8" angle iron to the flexible bar, then added some threaded bolts/springs to the sides of the break frame to make it more "user friendly". Also found that with thicker stock, it helps to cut a small channel along the bend line, then run a weld bead down the crease after its bend. Even the 30" unit has trouble with thicker stock...
@@welcometothemachineshop466what thickness material do you use and what type of stuff do you make my friend? And thanks for doing this vid? This may be killer for aluminum gauge pods and such
Pretty impressive. I think it would have put something, heavy tape or maybe a pool noodle split in half over the top of the sheet metal, just in case your hand slipped. Made me laugh though, when all else fails, use brute force. You gave me a great idea though - as a small woman, I think using adj. wrenches would give me more leverage.
Per the instructions only a maximum of 16 gauge aluminum and 18 gauge sheet steel should be used. He’s exceeding the maximum by trying to use 16 gauge steel.
Wow. You went a lot further than I would have gone with it. 1. Needs to be mounted to steel table. 2. Does not do 18 gauge steel... at least not one as wide as the brake itself. You figured something would have broke? DUDE! Your video could EASILY have been blocked if you filmed your injury which could have been VERY ugly if you did. (glad you weren't hurt honestly but I was actually afraid!) The use of the adjustable wrenches was a step too far in my opinion and I'm sure other commenters agree -- haven't read any other commenters. The use of the added C-clamps was a good idea so if I decide to pick one up, I will take into account ALL of these factors... lighter material, mounting better and no safety risks.
That's a easy fix .I can fix one of those to be awesome easley all it takes is being smarter than the tool you use and two pieces of angle iron some flat steel two springs a few bolts and nuts a welder and some brains
While I appreciate the information I feel like you could have done the entire video in 1 minute and why try to bend an 18 gauge piece of steel when you said you bought it to do a small job using aluminum? Some UA-cam guys just try to hard to put up content. If you want better feedback try condensing you video and don’t waste so much time trying to figure out what to say next. I’m not being harsh, I’d subscribe and like your videos but every time I watch one I’m waiting and waiting to see what I clicked on the video for. Sorry man.
APRIL FOOL - What a joke of a machine 7 G Clamps to hold the top plate and the thing couldn't fold a thin piece of sheet. Might just about cope with a cigarette paper
16 gauge at almost exactly 18" seems like a lot of resistance for such a little brake. Glad to see it *can* be done, but this is a clear demonstration that it probably *shouldn't* be done for a number of reasons.
Glad you demonstrated it, glad you didn't hurt yourself. I bet it would do just fine with a much smaller piece in length, say maybe 6-8" as it seems like it's intended for light metal bends and small build projects. I think now certainly this is exactly what I need, but I'll need to precut the metal to size beforehand... That's probably the right way to do it anyway.
Thank you again!
Great video showing what it can do, and the struggles of using at it's max capacity. It'll looks like it will be fine for my feeble project.
First-class testing and brilliant set-up throughout. Thank you.
Your review helped me decide to get the 18inch. It will work for me, since I am bending 18 gage sheets that are 7 inch wide. Love your accent.
I had given up on mine trying to bend 0.035 4130 chrome-moly. However, you proved that with a bunch of help this could bend it. Thanks for toughing it out and proving the point.
Man! I'm glad that thing didn't beak on you. I was cringing at the thought of it snapping and that sheet metal laying your arm wide open! Thanks for the demo. I bought one and will use it for light stuff. Overpriced in my opinion.
That was a nail-biter! Wasn't sure if the workbench was going to break apart first, or the adjustable wrenches! It was a great idea to use the wrenches... not sure that would have been my first thoughts when the handle bent. I'd recommend rotating the wrenches so you apply force towards the adjustable jaw to avoid the screw mechanism from busting first.
Great test. Helpful to know that it's limited to lighter gauge. Thanks. Plus nice to know you have to have a bunch of clamps.
Nice review and clearly demonstrates a weakness I had not considered before. Thanks. Was thinking of using to bend .093" 5052 Aluminum. Given your results with 1/8" I'm having second thoughts although my application would not use full length.
Alum. a lot softer should do fine for .093 T 6 a little stiffer. 16 half it would do better bought one cheap but quite useful for little projects I used 4 vises works good adjust for thickness metal on hold down plate or more softer edge.
Where do you see results with ⅛"? That's 16 gauge dumb ass.
It's possible to bend the 16g, but not ideal. It's good for smaller gauge hobby type stuff.
It's a good review.
Edit
Almost forgot. As it was being bent, it looked like a 3/4 pipe handle in a "H" configuration would help with leverage. Maybe a 3rd handle in the middle to help get a tighter bend in the middle of the piece.
I used it for a couple of small projects. I never really had any intention to bend any that heavy, I figured I would test Harbor Freight’s claim regarding it’s capacity. 😁
Thanks for the video. Most of their stuff seems to work, but Not the greatest at max capacity. For the price, it would work for lesser jobs.
so .. would longer handles for more leverage make it work better ??
Nice Review & Test !!! I would have liked to have seen some bends with lighter gauge sheets to learn the TRUE capacity of this Brake to give a nice, tight 90 - what the max ideal would be for this $40 Brake.
I've used this with great results but it's really best for thin aluminum, like a notch above flashing. Also, if you're trying to bend harder aluminum, even thin, remember that it has a grain. Try bending in both directions on a sample. Generally it will bend easier if the bend is in line with the length of the original sheet it came from at the mill.
Straight honest review
I regularly use it for light weight material with decent results, their advertised capacity is not accurate.
@@welcometothemachineshop466 i used it today with 22 ga and it worked fine.
I have one of these but have used it for light 6" lengths of aluminum and for copper sheeting - worked well. I did like to see your review showing its performance at maximum capacity. Hey you got a workout on your pecs without going to the gym -LOL.
Thanks for the review video. You get what you pay for...
I put mine in reverse (pulling up instead of pushing up) and heated the steel before bending.
Brilliance! Thank you for that
I would get longer steel handles and thread them for the handles. Also can the brake be turned around so you are pushing downward and it would be easier. Reinforce the metal piece that bends the metal and that will give you more leverage. Thanks
I bought that same brake and had the same results. Mine has screw in handles. Need a dozen C clamps to hold it down.
Good review. Not meaning this toward you in particular, but I got one of these and, I'm astonished that none of the ten or so UA-cam reviews I viewed mentioned, as near as I can recall, that this thing is just two pieces of angle iron! Just angle iron welded to a pivot and ground on two surfaces. Angle iron!
That said, carefully set up it should do the advertised 16 ga. without too much difficulty, though I have yet to try it. I did do some 16 ga. aluminum and it was effortless.
Good video. It would have been a bit more informative if you had started with a shorter piece of 16 gauge just to see the point of acceptability - e.g., would bending a 4" piece of 16 gauge give good results, but 12" does not.
Bolt or weld on same length a 1/4" angle to the bottom of the breaker bar, and bolt on two 12" length's x 1/4 Chanel's to the push bars and 6"x 1/2" plates to the mounting plates on a 2' x 2' x 1" plywood . as not to tear up your work bench. thickness and leverage are key.
I just bought one of these and was going to return it but now I think I'm going to modify it as you said- I want to do a tight bend on a 1 ft long 18 guage
Tnx
You needed a couple of 2 foot cheaters on those adjustable wrenches. Good review as I didn't think it would have held together at max capacity. Perhaps the bars could have benefited from extra support like the big ones have.
Robert Oswalt, thanks. I bought this for mostly aluminum and lighter gauge steel. I was just curious if it could do as advertised. Longer handles would definitely made it easier, I don’t think it would last long with repeated full capacity use though.
Like most of their lower end tools and equipment, work fine for once or twice a year use.
Looks like better handles and a more solid mount would make it perfectly functional even at its max capacity. Not bad for $40.
Catalog now says it's for maximum 16 guage, so maybe it will be easier with that or probably thinner stock. Nice video.
Well,, it says it will bend 18 in metal. Doesn't say it will bend it accurately. Also, not many uses of this would require a rebuild of your bench. Great vid
Looks like it'll be best with aluminum instead of steel sheets. Probably longer handles would be a better option for more leverage.
Whats the bend deduction on a 16 guage pcs of sheet metal?
That would depend on the angle, there are free bend deduction and bend allowance calculators online.
How do you think it would fair against an 1/8th inch thick piece of 5052 aluminum? Approximately 12" wide and I can even score a mark in the bend with an angle grinder or file or cut some holes across the bend line if needed. Thinks it's even possible?
Honestly AV 2 I tried a piece of 1/8” about 7” long, no good. Not sure if scoring or drilling holes would help.
@@welcometothemachineshop466 - shit, well thanks for the update. I only have one piece to try this on and don't want to mess it up. That's not on another video is it so I can see how it turned out?
When I saw your comment I tried a piece of scrap but I didn’t video it.
@@welcometothemachineshop466 Awesome well I definitely appreciate you taking the time to try it for your own and let me know! I think I'm either gonna anneal this thing before bending or score an 1/8th wide line about 1mm deep. I think that should let me get a bend albeit maybe not a pretty one. Thanks for all your help buddy!
The Harbor Freight units are OK if you modify them to get rid of the clamps.
ua-cam.com/video/sQsZKuZgFL8/v-deo.html
I got the 30" unit, and bolted a piece of 3/8" angle iron to the flexible bar, then added some threaded bolts/springs to the sides of the break frame to make it more "user friendly".
Also found that with thicker stock, it helps to cut a small channel along the bend line, then run a weld bead down the crease after its bend. Even the 30" unit has trouble with thicker stock...
It will bow even 26 guage. at 18 inches wide good for smaller pieces
I have the same brake but my handles are skimpyer than what you have. Not a good brake for even 18 gage steel
I been using it primarily for thin aluminum sheets
They call it a break so you can't claim false advertising too bad cause it really did break lol
It really never broke, I use it quite often for light material with decent results. Just their claim regarding the capacity is a bit stretched.
@@welcometothemachineshop466 I'm gonna get one. I need to make a box for a lithium battery.
@@welcometothemachineshop466what thickness material do you use and what type of stuff do you make my friend? And thanks for doing this vid? This may be killer for aluminum gauge pods and such
Pretty impressive. I think it would have put something, heavy tape or maybe a pool noodle split in half over the top of the sheet metal, just in case your hand slipped. Made me laugh though, when all else fails, use brute force. You gave me a great idea though - as a small woman, I think using adj. wrenches would give me more leverage.
Per the instructions only a maximum of 16 gauge aluminum and 18 gauge sheet steel should be used. He’s exceeding the maximum by trying to use 16 gauge steel.
It looked like it was going to rip out of the table mounts
That looks like 1/8" plate, the thing says 16 gauge maximum and their 36" says 17 gauge that's why I went ahead and got the 18" one.
Bruce Ledbetter it really is only 16 gauge steel.
I could have told u 16 was too heavy, hf has nothing but junk. I have never had anything good from them
I don't get how these are useful without fingers.
It’s a no frills simple brake, I don’t do enough sheet metal work or have the space to warrant anything bigger or better at this time.
I buy haebor freight stuff to, it's ok?
If u would have turned the sheet metal around so ur bending the short end instead of the long end it might have worked better
Wow. You went a lot further than I would have gone with it. 1. Needs to be mounted to steel table. 2. Does not do 18 gauge steel... at least not one as wide as the brake itself.
You figured something would have broke? DUDE! Your video could EASILY have been blocked if you filmed your injury which could have been VERY ugly if you did. (glad you weren't hurt honestly but I was actually afraid!) The use of the adjustable wrenches was a step too far in my opinion and I'm sure other commenters agree -- haven't read any other commenters. The use of the added C-clamps was a good idea so if I decide to pick one up, I will take into account ALL of these factors... lighter material, mounting better and no safety risks.
You gotta be careful with all the handles get you caught up
😂
Material is too thick..works fine using .020 crs
That's a easy fix .I can fix one of those to be awesome easley all it takes is being smarter than the tool you use and two pieces of angle iron some flat steel two springs a few bolts and nuts a welder and some brains
Uh um um you know um but um uh. Great review.
While I appreciate the information I feel like you could have done the entire video in 1 minute and why try to bend an 18 gauge piece of steel when you said you bought it to do a small job using aluminum?
Some UA-cam guys just try to hard to put up content. If you want better feedback try condensing you video and don’t waste so much time trying to figure out what to say next. I’m not being harsh, I’d subscribe and like your videos but every time I watch one I’m waiting and waiting to see what I clicked on the video for.
Sorry man.
You didnt get a good bend because you left that white sticker on your metal.
Damn 😖
Chinese have a tendency to "exaggerate" ;)
APRIL FOOL - What a joke of a machine 7 G Clamps to hold the top plate and the thing couldn't fold a thin piece of sheet. Might just about cope with a cigarette paper