The slid-off cleat bender notch (the half-fold trap)

A manual cleat bender must be pushed completely home until the raw sheet metal hits the physical internal backstop lip of the tool slot. Slide the tool onto the edge, feel it bottom out square across the full span, and then pull the folding lever. If a.

Stop if

• The fold is short because the tool wasn't pushed all the way home. Snip that ruined quarter-inch crimp off square, slide the bender on until it hits the internal backstop, and roll the handle clear over.

Watch out

• Do not force the tool through the problem or substitute the wrong tool just to keep moving.

Check

• Check the raw edge, pocket, or overlap before locking the joint.
• Seat the tool fully and square before applying force.
• Use a full controlled stroke when the tool needs a mechanical lock.
• Test the fit before sending the piece overhead.
• Remake or re-edge the part if the lock will not hold.

Steps

• Check the raw edge, pocket, or overlap before locking the joint.
• Seat the tool fully and square before applying force.
• Use a full controlled stroke when the tool needs a mechanical lock.
• Test the fit before sending the piece overhead.
• Remake or re-edge the part if the lock will not hold.

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