EASY FREE DIY SHRINKER TOOL! HOW-TO Make CURVED FLANGES on SHEET METAL

[@jameslangford4748]

For those of us who will never have a plasma cutter and other tools that are beyond us, it is nice to see you getting back to making tools that we can make in a home garage. Thank you

[@fishhuntadventure]

“Beyond us?!” I have a plasma cutter. Pretty easy actually.

[@bradleybuildsit]

With some tools this comment definitely makes sense but plasma cutters can be had for as little as 150 bucks

[@jameslangford4748]

Thankyou but where ? And are they worth the money if they are so cheap ?.@@bradleybuildsit

[@fishhuntadventure]

@@bradleybuildsitexactly. Not frequently used but when it’s handy to use it’s so quick and reasonably precise. I’m not that interested in having one and way not interested in committing the space but I’m toying with the idea of getting a cnc plasma. It can make money without much of my time being invested. The little plasma I bought is awesome.

[@worldisafrick]

Home shops are often space limited, not budget limited. I wouldn't devote space to a plasma cutter whether it cost $150 or $15. Maybe if it cost $15 I'd toss it under the deck and see how long it lasts, but it's not taking up precious cabinet space.

[@PaulTempesta-id8wr]

I am 70 and have to say for a young guy you are fantastic sir. Much respect!

[@davepink637]

You just kept 8 folk from 15 yo to 75 yo watching and learning, now gramps got to make one for the children tomorrow . Thanks Mark we all learnt from you, you are the man . From accross the pond

[@kleinbergers33]

That was a cool tool . Was cool watching...Thanks I am 81 yrs young , never too old to learn.

[@enfamy_OG]

I hope to be as curious and eager to learn at 81. Have a good day!

[@RonCovell]

Very cool fixture, Karl - nice and easy to make, too!

[@marcbaker2502]

Love this type / style of instructional video. Your explanation of how to make this tool, the issues it has and how to improve the design ( thus the end result, etc) is what is missing from so many videos on KZbin nowadays.

[@vicferrari9380]

I like the hand made tools. Seeing you hand make a tool like that can open your eyes to using those techniques to create other things.😊

[@christopheralcantara1479]

Man this is by far becoming one my favorite channels. I love the diy tools and the knowledge passed on to us all

[@heyartbailey]

Holy crap, this is EXACTLY what I need! I've got a bunch of rusted out radii on my project, and am really glad to tap into my junk metal pile, rather than my wallet. Thanks so much for sharing this with us! You're such an amazing, creative force out here...

[@lancesmith2765]

Absolutely think your homemade tools programs are the best. I really enjoy your programs. I'm learning a lot. Thank you.

[@CSWmanofsteel]

I’m 61 yrs old and a welder/ Machinest blacksmith and grew up with the older SKOOL metal workers and I stumbled across your channel when your cab over built came up in my algorithm, you do great work by the way, I’m thankful that you’re one of the few that still use your head and creativity to make things you need instead of just buying the stuff that’s manufactured elsewhere and doesn’t last. What you’re doing with fabricating your tools for your shop is how it all started years ago unfortunately today’s metal workers ( if you can call them that) have drifted from the craft’s original foundation. At 61 I STILL fabricate a lot of stuff that helps me do what I need to do especially dies and metal working tools that no one sells and completing a customer’s project that blows their minds is a great satisfaction for me and I see it in you also s so THANK YOU for carrying on the craft and inspiration to the next generation 💯🤙🏼🇺🇸 ALOHA FROM HAWAII 🌺

[@joescully566]

I think that is a great idea gents, looking forward to the stretcher tomorrow, Jor

[@rickkyriakopoulos1103]

Maybe on the pivot point make the bolt hole oblong that way when you come down with the jaws , you won't have to crimp it twice . It should find the thickness of the steel and come in flat ! I think it will work ! This is a great KZbin slot one of my favorites along with half ass kustoms . Thanks you guys. Oh ya I have been looking at your planishing hammer I would love one .

[@wirefeed3419]

Yes, the handle or male part I believe is set to low, if it could raise up the bite would be more flat on the metal flange and would give less push out while crimping.

[@lestergreen7262]

The brainstorming prior to beginning the build and explanation of your thinking is priceless. Thanks for sharing your talents.

[@jpthedelawarebeeman6239]

All I can so is wow - amazing how you can think of making tools on the cheap. Thanks for the Video Karl. All you need to do is add a lever to actuate it using your foot and leave your hands free to be able to guide the piece into the shrinker. I can't wait to see your home made stretcher next.

[@warrenolds625]

At 71 I'm just getting into metal shaping. My first project is a Dunstall gastank for my café bike. You and Wray are my guru's, I'll be fabricating one of these soon. Great video

[@terrys6871]

Karl, We are very thankful for all that you put into the videos! ❤ Cool tool! Keep them coming!

[@outlawdee4018]

Your tool making video has saved me so much money. Keep up the great work

[@Toro-Tor]

After a while I realized I'm sitting very close to the screen - just to see exactly how he is making this tool 😁 THANKS KARL !

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Nice one. Love the simple tools. The bent section of flat bar is key to this. Don't have to be bent like that just a simple right angle. But the bend looks much better.

[@uti_s1471]

This is why you are so great Karl, super at explaining, showing us how, and brainstorming kind of while working! Showing us that pretty much a lot can be done with somewhat cheap tools and with some creativity. Love these hands-on, everyone-can-do videos without too much use of fancy tools.👍

[@brianglass4824]

My thought was to lengthen the distance to the pivot point so you come down a little flatter on the steel. I think it would be less prone to pushing the steel away from the crimp as you use. I love how enthusiastic you are about all these processes and tools you are making. Watching you visualize what is going on and your ability to translate that in your videos is a really great skill and I really appreciate your sharing them. I have learned so much about metal working watching you. Making me want to invest in some tools and steel! !!

[@tscustomstation]

Yep exactly what I am thinking gonna try it out maybe raise the pivot so it pulls the metal in as it crimps

[@rowycoracing]

Nice! Thanks for showing that idea.

[@raymondw7875]

I will definitely be giving this a try!

[@karensavarese5684]

Great thinking. Make the jaw legs longer, for clamping, and you could also vary there relationship, changing the shape of the tuck. I do shrinking/streching, and have never owned a comm. machine. Izzy,,,

[@russellgeorgelindsay6483]

Carl mate your a wizard just love watching your KZbin channel

[@kirkoglesby6175]

I think like you said, Karl. You can refine the tool and an make it as polished as you like. Nice mini bike chain guard you dolled out there. It works a charm. I'm definitely going to look at my scraps tomorrow.

[@0097205]

Well now I have to go make one of these myself.

[@wrenchpony9735]

More super cool content Karl! I think there is a benefit of making your own tools. That being as you make the tool and have to adjust it to get good results, you are also learning how sheetmetal works. It lends itself to knowing what process you will need to make your mental image into physical steel. Keep up the awesomeness man!

[@snoopu2601]

Showing how to make hand tool's is a plus. That really helps with us people trying to make stuff on a budget. At the same time can be proud of making something with your own two hands.

[@ernie6772]

Nice job! Good explanations of what is happening.

[@1320freek]

Dude, I absolutely love videos like this!!! Please keep them going! Can’t wait for the next video, the stretcher. Thanks for doing these. Always enjoy your videos.

[@RobertSimpson-i3z]

Nice work! I personally would use the torch for the shrinking. Make the tucks as you are, then heat the tuck red and flatten it while hot. You won’t get hardening of the metal and tearing, and the yield strength of the metal is much lower when hot so much easier to work. For very minor shrinking, the heat alone will do the job.

[@ronmurphy9819]

I kinda like it when you are working on your car projects more but I do realize these tools are where you should start.

[@bruceaskin9645]

Love making my own tools, and in many cases its the only way I can afford to have them . Thank you Carl.

[@beaverc2884]

For me this is the perfect tool, before shifter handle 😊. It's something I wouldn't use very often but when I do this kind of work it would be perfect to have. I really like the space saving size. I am making one. 🙂🙂🙂

[@malcolmyoung7866]

Me too!

[@MakeItKustom]

Awesome stoked you guys are making them

[@samsalado5957]

I love these types of videos. Tools are so expensive and to be able to get satisfactory results cheap from something you made is even better. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Between yourself and Fitzee am able to to make things I never would’ve tried before. I’d rather make something than buy it and everything I’ve learned from you guys has made it so much easier

[@Alllivesmatter24]

Can’t forget Halfass customs. He’s a diy’r and does things on the fly

[@danielkeeton6761]

I am definitely going to make one of these shrinkers to help shape my lower cab corners on my 50 GMC truck!

[@prancstaman]

I'm so goona make one!! Thank you. Been wanting one for years and never had the money to buy one. I made a steel plate roller out of 1/4 inch thick angle iron and 2 steering wheels with a suicide 8 ball on one of the wheels. I used it to band a set of rims. To build badass stuff you need badass tools.

[@Kc7vwg]

Love the cost savings on tools!! And a bit more pride knowing you made them yourself

[@CharlesStevens-vi7ky]

Trev’s blog has a good video on upsetting and heat shrinking, it’s applicable as when you’re tucking the crimps that is exactly what you are doing. If you actually check the curved flange with a micrometer you will find it is thicker than the original sheet stock. As a blacksmith I use this on a macro scale, wile your working on a micro scale

[@murdoc6501]

A-and another great video! Letting us in on the thought process behind the design and creation is absolutely engaging/compelling stuff. Love how you and Elio just spitball, brainstorm, and add a little art into the mix. Go Karl and Elio and Japhands, keep moving forward and can't wait to see what's next!

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks so much man the next video is an even easier tool for stretching!

[@iancameron198]

Nice but you need to cut the flat stock and weld a round stock with a bicycle grip on it as a handle

[@jroubos6650]

What an interesting video. I am always surprised at what you make from materials you have in your workshop. I definitely plan on making this tool. I understand that you are also going to make a stretching tool? I like to be surprised.

[@daleking8529]

Really enjoy the tool videos so mix them in with the videos on your car and truck projects!! Take care.

[@stekiboy]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Perfect timing! Much love

[@sc2352]

Awesome video... absolutely love your work, your ingenuity and the friendly quality of your videos. Thanks so much!

[@jimnelson7740]

When I made my pliers, I welded round rod to the business end. Two on the outside of the flute, and one that went between them when the grips were squeezed. Gave a very smooth, rounded flute to shrink the material. Using the round rod is easier than trying to grind the edges to a rounded shape. I really enjoy your videos on metal-working....keep them coming..

[@stephaniewilley2224]

I learn something every time I watch you work metal. And I love your home made tooling.

[@PeterWhite-ee9nf]

Looks real simple but by far surpasses the slower shrinking with a fork. The trick with clamping across the shrink certainly save a lot of back and forth to gain a decent bend. I will be using a lot of what you teach as I restore a '35 Rover 14 Sport Sedan. Thanks for the videos.

[@StevenCollects]

I like how far you took it. It shows that while it is a simple tool you can still make it look cool if you wanted.

[@olasod1]

I love your channel since at least three years back. I like the locking angled flat steel iron. I saw the pneumatic plannishing hammer videos first. Both the small one and the deeper one för different dices. The small one is a great complement to this shrinker (I think). Ive had enough tennis elbows through life and at 55 the healing time is not what it was. I will start making theese tools right away👍🏼🤘🏻. Cheers from Sweden

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

That is a cool tool. Thanks. If you are willing, yes, more videos of this type, please.

[@martinperry3327]

Hey Karl, great video. The modification I would add to this would be a foot treadle peddle, it would free up both hands, which would enhance control over the part as you tuck. Marty, ‘Brisveagas’ Australia.

[@2_dog_Restoration]

Karl I am sure that you have already thought about this. But if you used the same pattern and built one from 1/8 angle & 1/8 bar stock then one out of 3/8 inch angel and 3/8 inch bar stock will give you the options for tighter curves. THANKS for the shop built tools!! Keep these videos coming THANKS Dan H

[@BrianSmart1959]

I really could have used this on some projects. I was thinking right off that you just need to make the angle iron longer so it can stick out from the bench to give you more clearance. And like you said, rounding off the corners would help too. Very cool.

[@robertjones1709]

A Cool Collaboration between Karl & Elio , that is so basic, and effective with all the tweaks you made with it. All Good guys! Thanks for the useful tips in Tool fabrication.

[@Hanlonsgarage]

Great tool! May need some sort of bar or holder to keep the work peice into the jaws while bending??

[@randysellers8995]

A pleasure to watch a Master at his Craft! Tools don't make good, knowledge of how to use the tool does! Thank you!

[@imnottheonlyone9171]

Linear stretching die for a planishing hammer is fairly easy to build and works good

[@NicoleEhrhardt-y5w]

A great job and beeing creativ can save you a lot of money. I think the result speaks for itself

[@psiked]

How I first found you, love the teaching you do while building useful things to show we don’t need to buy everything we need.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks for your support man I’m glad this is valuable content for you!

[@psiked]

@@MakeItKustom to me it is, I’m sure it is to lots of others too. Some of us never had the opportunity to learn these things and the way you’ve explained in a few vids (and metal reborn) you’re filling that gap. Commend you for still going back to the “how-to’s” even though you got some amazing projects still in the works 👍

[@konradweniger3141]

Now make one to replace the hammer to flatten the tuck? .also been thinking about a hand operated punch like a iron worker for sheet metal for roseate welds

[@vicstevens2149]

I think this is one of the best how to channels out there keep them coming love the channel

[@traderjoe107]

Wow. Now I can make some fenders for my trailer! Great video! Thanks!

[@JohnDresden-gk7fm]

Great channel. I learn a lot from watching you do stuff. I'm restoring a old Ford truck that you can't find parts for, so you have to make them.

[@michaelanderson3771]

Karl You never cease to amaze man. Great little tool. I note Wray had a similar manual tuck tool with nylon rounded die surface but much bigger - did a 2" tuck using a similar action Lever pull pressing a male form into a female die. You tools from scrap and your little Hand tuck fork really useful little cheap DIY tools. Suggestion - maybe put all your tools in a "Home made tools playlist" so we can find then easily instead of searching your hundreds of vids for your pearls of wisdom.

[@rogergregory5981]

Thats got to be a win easy enough to make something up out of odds& sods pretty quick and cheeply 👍🏻

[@drompimccoy9501]

Top job, love you getting carried away and doing „overkill“ on the handle

[@larrysmall3521]

Great video! You gave us a useful tool to use and it was a great lesson on the basic principles of shrinking.

[@jaybird4095]

Very fun. Kid an I are build a 25/26 boat tail roadster and have zero experience and no fancy tools. I think if the angle iron pieces were longer, you could make it bolt to a bench or to a 2x4 board, then you can overhang and do your tucks. Thanks

[@RealityCheckThat]

WOW, what a great demonstration. Specially where you clamped a thick flat bar to lock in the shape of the curve while you planished it. This is a great demonstration of a technique and a the tools that help accomplish it. I'm making that shrinking tool this weekend!!!!

[@williamherring5441]

Karl: Make your boomerang holder you improvised to hold the work piece with a pivot/hinge to make it adjustable. Then weld nuts on some tabs to make clamps for the ends of the boomerang. Since I travelled in to the future, would your stretcher be used to smooth a work piece out? Or maybe a correct combination of wheels in your bead roller? A receiver hitch process for several of your tools would make your shop very modular for clamping tools at convenient positions and aid storage. MK from Garage Fab did a similar concept. v/r wh

[@gonkmeat]

What you just made is called a fluting tool and the ripples are called flutes. Fluting tools are used shaping the ribs in aircraft wings and in shrinking metal vent pipe used in Plbg, Htg & AC applications. I made a set years ago using a pair of vice grips and an old screwdriver shank. Cut 3 equal length sections from the round shank and weld one on a jaw and weld the other two on the opposing jaw leaving a small gap between those two. Water pump pliers will also work if you have a good grip. Keep up the good work.

[@glennmiller9031]

I really like your homemade tool videos. You come up with some pretty good stuff. The power hammer was awesome.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks Glenn I really enjoy the process

[@markbunyan3078]

Great video, please keep the tool ideas coming!

[@gregholley7579]

Loved this. Will definitely be making one for myself.

[@Parkhill57]

Off topic, but I love your steel table. I had one like it that I bought from GM when they closed their plant. They had about 100 of them and they sold all in 30 minutes. Alas, I sold mine when I closed my shop in 2013. Seeing yours makes me wish I kept it. Have a great year!

[@rivenmotors7981]

Hey Karl, just an idea - if you use it with the piece flange up, you could add an adjustable backstop from underneath to hold the piece tight against the crimper. Cool project, great video!

[@andrevokey4132]

I made this tool today, thanks for the tips as always! Love the content, love the vibes 👌

[@jamesfino7962]

Watching creative minds at work.

[@mattlee007]

this was great ... looking forward to the stretcher ... love it

[@Lwimmermastermetalart]

G R 8 Video kid! Hey I’m 74 years old so almost everyone’s a kid to me 😂. Your channel is fast becoming one of my favorites ! I’m impressed. Have any stickers with your logo? Starting a new cabinet in the shop and need to start getting kool ones. 🤙🏻

[@brenthachey8369]

Never thought of trying to make a tool that bends these. I've used a stake and a cross peen hammer before. Definitely going to build one! These videos are great!

[@squirrelsworkshop]

This looks promising... and the price is just right!

[@davidsoberanis2643]

You could add a backstop to your vertical post so that the metal doesn’t back out when you pull the lever. You could also make it adjustable too

[@mikeanderson1139]

good thing you toted that shifter around with you! I enjoy watching you work and brainstorm with E

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks man haha I’ve tried to use that shifter so many times. Now it works!

[@brucematthews6417]

For something roughed out in such a short time it's FANTASTIC! As you said a little more finness with smoothing the dies would avoid a lot of the "bruising" and possible tears. I'm also thinking that you're leaning over quite a lot with it bolted to the bench. I was typing to add a pedestal as well and then you said "we're not quite done" I'm going with the idea of "Great Minds Thinking Alike".... :D And the shifter handle at the end? That's just what it needed ! ! ! ! ! Totally Kustom to the MAX ! ! I don't do enough sheet metal to justify any big tools. So your low cost approachable ideas like the dish stump and now this shrinker hits my buttons just right. More please !

[@joecioe8566]

So simple yet worked so well. Thanks for getting our creative juices flowing.

[@LeonStOnge]

love the simplicity

[@sadiejustin]

I am making one of those Sunday. Not even a question.

[@MakeItKustom]

Awesome!!!

[@janetcoursey6756]

Awesome tool! Thanks for making great tools from scrap. Love your videos!

[@skyfreakwi]

Dude, this thing is awesome! I've been looking at how shrinkers work and how I can make my own for a while. Now I know I've been going about it all wrong! Your shrinker is freaking amazing!!! Thank you so much for this episode especially and for all your content. I knew I was saving that bed frame for something...

[@jpthedelawarebeeman6239]

LOL I was thinking the same thing now I know what to do with that bedframe I kept all this time

[@MakeItKustom]

So glad this came at a good time for u!

[@rickmarquart3277]

I love learning new ways! Thanks!

[@JohnMcClain-p9t]

I've got to say, Karl, I've really enjoyed all your videos and learned a lot of new ideas. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink it.....less you salt his oats!

[@cooperturbo4598]

Excellent video, excellent tool, excellent mindset, video editing is top notch too !

[@terryeustice5399]

Karl this was a great demonstration of creativity in making a tool. That one can use to shape metal. Know you just got back from that workshop. Thank you young man for sharing. Your skills are amazing. 💯👍👊

[@slicedbread9003]

Awesome. Simple enough and effective for the most common rust repair panels. No need to buy patch panels for those smaller pieces around the fender and behind the wheel.

[@CompToyZ]

I think we can make on with an air hammer, like a plenishing hammer. Make the bottom die a 2 piece hinged bottom outside with hard rubber underneath holding it up. So when the hammer hits it'll move the jaws towards each other. I could be way off but I'm going to try drawing it up lol

[@453421abcdefg12345]

This is a fantastic tool as it is, but with a little bit of development it would be even better, I am sure that if you annealed the flange it would go a lot better. Very many thanks for this innovative design.

[@BAP219]

Excellent idea! Will definitely "Make It Kustom" for myself! Thank you Karl. And Elio!

[@bigsquatchsasfoot1964]

What a fantastic build guys I’m going out in the shed tomorrow to have a go at this it seems to work absolutely brilliantly 👍

[@JonDingle]

That is a great tool, going to make one for a job I have coming but its stainless steel sheet I need to shrink into a nice curved with a flange. Top video!