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Best Pan Brakes
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Ranking
What’s in the Toolbox
tool
Good Points
tool overVIEW
GRIZZLY (G0542) BEST 1220mm (48″) Pan Brake OVERALL
The GRIZZLY 1220mm (48″) Pan Brake (G0542) is a robust and versatile machine designed for heavy duty box bending. Capable of bending 2.657mm (12 Gauge) mild steel at half width and 1.897mm (14 Gauge) steel at full width, it achieves angles up to 135° making it ideal for industrial sheet metal work. One of its key features is the adjustable stop collar which ensures precise repeatable bends especially when crafting stackable pans. This feature allows for consistent results saving time on repetitive tasks.
The brake handle is counterweighted to provide additional leverage reducing the effort required to bend thicker materials. This makes it easier to handle demanding projects without compromising accuracy or finish. The GRIZZLY (G0542) is equipped with eight removable fingers allowing for customized box forming and complex bends. These fingers can be used either individually or all together providing flexibility for a variety of tasks.
Built from steel and weighing in at 577kgs (1,271 lbs.), the GRIZZLY (G0542) is engineered for durability and long-term use. It comes with a 1 year warranty and an informative manual ensuring easy setup and maintenance. The machine’s size and strength make it a reliable choice for professional workshops that need precise heavy duty bending capabilities.
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GRIZZLY (G0542) BEST 1220mm (48″) Pan Brake OVERALL
tool overVIEW
GRIZZLY (T32719) 914mm (36″) Pan Brake RUNNER UP
The GRIZZLY 914mm (36″) Benchtop Pan Brake (T32719) is designed for precision in creating complex shapes like brackets, gussets, boxes and fixtures. It can effortlessly set angles in 1.214mm (18 Gauge) mild steel up to 135° making it a great tool for a wide range of bending tasks. With the capability to handle 1.519mm (16 Gauge) steel at half width and 0.953mm (20 Gauge) stainless steel, the GRIZZLY (T32719) is built to perform well in various applications including working with aluminum at 1.290mm (16 Gauge) thickness.
Equipped with twelve removable fingers this pan brake offers flexibility for box forming and other intricate bending operations. The fingers, available in 50mm (2″), 76mm (3″) and 102mm (4″) sizes can be used individually or together allowing users to perform specialized bends with ease. Its compact footprint makes it ideal for benchtop use while its sturdy construction ensures long-lasting durability in demanding environments.
Backed by a 1 year warranty, the GRIZZLY (T32719) offers peace of mind with coverage against factory defects. The manual written by Grizzly’s U.S.-based Technical Documentation Department provides clear and helpful guidance for setup and maintenance.
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GRIZZLY (T32719) 914mm (36″) Pan Brake RUNNER UP
tool overVIEW
SHOP FOX (M1011) Best 610mm (24″) Pan Brake ON A BUDGET
The SHOP FOX 610mm (24″) Pan Brake (M1011) is a versatile and reliable tool designed for precision sheet metal fabrication. This brake is ideal for creating bends to increase the strength of sheet metal plates or crafting intricate components such as brackets, gussets, boxes and fixtures. With its robust design, the SHOP FOX (M1011) can handle mild steel sheets up to 0.912mm (20 Gauge) thick and 610mm (24″) wide offering a range of bend angles from 0° to 135°. When securely bolted to a sturdy workbench it provides consistent and accurate results for various metalworking projects.
The SHOP FOX (M1011) features removable and adjustable fingers that can be arranged in different configurations to accommodate varying metal widths making it highly adaptable for diverse applications. Its thoughtful design ensures ease of use, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast. Like all SHOP FOX pan and box brakes, the SHOP FOX (M1011) is backed by a 2 year warranty guaranteeing parts and protection against factory defects, giving you peace of mind with your investment.
To assist with assembly and maintenance, the SHOP FOX (M1011) includes a comprehensive manual developed by SHOP FOX’s U.S.-based Technical Documentation Department. This user-friendly guide provides all the necessary information to ensure your pan brake performs reliably for years to come.
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SHOP FOX (M1011) Best 610mm (24″) Pan Brake ON A BUDGET
tool overVIEW
GRIZZLY (T28522) Best 610mm (24″) Pan Brake AS AN ALTERNATIVE
The GRIZZLY 610mm (24″) Pan Brake (T28522) is an essential tool for fabricating complex metal parts including brackets, gussets, boxes and fixtures. It is designed to bend 0.912mm (20 Gauge) mild steel at full width and can handle even thicker material up to 1.214mm (18 Gauge) at half width. Capable of setting bends up to 135°, the GRIZZLY (T28522) provides the flexibility needed for a wide range of sheet metal fabrication tasks.
Equipped with five removable fingers in various sizes, including 25mm (1″), 50mm (2″), 76mm (3″), 203mm (8″) and 254mm (10″), this pan brake allows for customized box forming and intricate bending operations. The fingers can be used individually or in combination offering greater control over the bending process. With a maximum box depth of 50mm (2″) and a minimum reverse bend of 10mm (3/8″), this brake can handle detailed and precise sheet metal work with ease.
The GRIZZLY (T28522) is built to last with Grizzly’s commitment to quality backed by a 1 year warranty covering parts and factory defects.
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GRIZZLY (T28522) Best 610mm (24″) Pan Brake AS AN ALTERNATIVE
BEST Pan Brakes
tool Specification comparison table
Bending Length
1220mm (48″)
914mm (36″)
610mm (24”)
610mm (24”)
Bending Thickness
Half Width – 2.657mm (12 Ga.) Mild Steel
Full Width – 1.897mm (14 Ga.) Mild Steel
Half Width – 1.519mm (16 Ga.) Mild Steel
Full Width – 1.214mm (18 Ga.) Mild Steel
0.953mm (20 Ga.) Stainless
1.290mm (16 Gauge) Aluminum
0.953mm (20 Ga.) Mild Steel
Half Width – 1.214mm (18 Ga.) Mild Steel
Full Width – 0.912mm (20 Ga.) Mild Steel
Bending Angle
0 ° – 135 °
0 ° – 135 °
0 ° – 135 °
0 ° – 135 °
Minimum Reverse Bend
13mm (1/2″)
8mm (5/16″)
Not Available
10mm (3/8”)
Included Components
(1) GRIZZLY 1220mm (48″) Pan Brake
(1) 635mm (25”) Finger
(3) 102mm (4″) Fingers
(4) 76mm (3″) Fingers
(1) GRIZZLY 914mm (36″) Pan Brake
(4) 50mm (2”) Fingers
(4) 76mm (3”) Fingers
(4) 102mm (4″) Fingers
(1) SHOP FOX 610mm (24”) Pan Brake
(2) 25mm (1”) Finger
(4) 50mm (2”) Finger
(2) 76mm (3”) Finger
(2) 102mm (4″) Fingers
(1) User Manual
(1) GRIZZLY 610mm (24”) Pan Brake
(1) 25mm (1”) Finger
(1) 50mm (2”) Finger
(1) 76mm (3”) Finger
(1) 203mm (8”) Finger
(1) 254mm (10”) Finger
Weight
577kgs (1,271 lbs.)
81.6kgs (180 lbs.)
45kg (99 lbs.)
38kgs (84 lbs.)
Warranty Description
1 Year Limited Warranty
1 Year Limited Warranty
2 Year Limited Warranty
1 Year Limited Warranty
Item Model Number
G0542
T32719
M1011
T28522
Pan Brakes
0ther ALTERNATIves
what’s in the toolbox
tool
Key points
included components
Bending Length: 1226mm (48-1/4”)
Bending Thickness: 0.759mm (22 Ga.) Mild Steel
0.475mm (26 Ga.) Stainless Steel
1.290mm (16 Ga.) Aluminum
Bending Angle: 0 ° – 135 °
Weight: 122 kgs (269 lbs.)
Warranty Description: 1 Year Limited Warranty
Item Model No.: 3185071
(1) KLUTCH 1226mm (48-1/4”) Pan Brake
(5) 50mm (2”) Fingers
(6) 76mm (3”) Fingers
(5) 102mm (4″) Fingers
Bending Length: 610mm (24”)
Bending Thickness: 0.912mm (20 Ga.) Mild Steel
Bending Angle: 0 ° – 135 °
Weight: 30.9 kgs (68.1 lbs.)
Warranty Description: 1 Year Limited Warranty
Item Model No.: KF5006
(1) KASTFORCE 610mm (24”) Pan Brake
(1) 25mm (1”) Finger
(1) 50mm (2”) Finger
(1) 76mm (3”) Finger
(1) 203mm (8″) Finger
(1) 255mm (10″) Finger
Bending Length: 610mm (24”)
Bending Thickness: 0.912mm (20 Ga.) Mild Steel
1.290mm (16 Ga.) Aluminum
Bending Angle: 0 ° – 135 °
Weight: 20 kgs (44 lbs.)
Warranty Description: 1 Year Limited Warranty
Item Model No.: KF5002
(1) KASTFORCE 730mm (28”) Bending Brake
a Tool for Every Job
For anyone involved in metalworking, pan brakes are a must have tool that simplifies the bending and shaping of sheet metal. These machines empower tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts to create accurate bends and folds in materials like mild steel, aluminum and stainless steel enhancing the strength and versatility of their projects. Whether crafting brackets, boxes or custom components a pan brake can turn flat sheets into functional and durable pieces with minimal effort.
Tradespeople appreciate the efficiency a pan brake brings to their workflow. With adjustable bending angles and removable fingers these machines can handle a wide variety of tasks from simple bends to more complex shapes. Their sturdy construction ensures reliability making them an essential addition to any professional workshop.
For DIYers, pan brakes offer the opportunity to bring creative ideas to life. They provide the ability to fabricate custom parts for home projects, repairs or artistic endeavors. Designed for ease of use, pan brakes make metalworking accessible allowing users to achieve high quality results without needing extensive experience.
BUYERS GUIDE
Pan Brakes
Understanding Your Needs:
When purchasing a pan brake the first step is to assess your specific needs and projects. Consider the types of materials you will be working with such as mild steel, aluminum or stainless steel and the thickness of these materials. Understanding the bending capacity required for your projects will help you select a pan brake that meets your demands. Additionally, evaluate the size and space available in your workshop as pan brakes come in various dimensions which can impact your workspace layout.
Bending Capacity and Features:
Pay attention to the bending capacity and features of the pan brake. Look for the maximum bending width and thickness that the machine can handle as this will determine the size of projects you can undertake. Features like adjustable bending angles and removable fingers are important for versatility they allow you to create a range of bends and shapes tailored to your specific applications. Investigate whether the brake has additional features such as built-in measuring guides or a sturdy support structure which can enhance precision and ease of use.
Build Quality and Durability:
The build quality and durability of the pan brake are crucial factors to consider especially if you plan on using it for heavy duty work. Look for machines constructed from high quality materials like steel which can withstand rigorous use and provide long-lasting performance. A robust design ensures that the brake will maintain its alignment and effectiveness over time preventing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. Check for any warranties offered by the manufacturer as this can provide added peace of mind regarding the product’s quality.
Portability and Storage:
For those with limited workspace, the portability and storage of a pan brake are essential factors to consider. Some models are designed to be lightweight and easily transportable making them ideal for job sites or home workshops where space is at a premium. If you plan to move the brake frequently or store it away when not in use look for options that include features like foldable designs or wheels for easy mobility. Additionally, consider the footprint of the machine and whether it can fit comfortably within your available space allowing you to work efficiently without feeling cramped.
Ease of Use and Setup:
The ease of use and setup of a pan brake can significantly impact your overall experience and productivity. Look for models that come with clear and comprehensive manuals that guide you through the assembly and operation process. User friendly designs such as intuitive controls and simple adjustments can make a big difference especially for those new to metalworking. Features like built in measuring systems or quick-release mechanisms can also enhance usability allowing you to focus on your projects rather than troubleshooting equipment.
Maintenance and Support:
Regular maintenance is vital for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of your pan brake. When evaluating different models check if the manufacturer provides easy access to replacement parts and maintenance instructions. Some brands offer dedicated customer support and technical assistance which can be invaluable if you encounter issues or have questions about your machine. A company that prioritizes customer service can help you troubleshoot problems effectively ensuring that your pan brake remains in good working condition.
Budget and Brand Reputation:
Consider your budget and the reputation of the brands you are evaluating. Pan brakes are available at various price points so it’s essential to find a balance between cost and features. While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest option investing in a higher quality machine from a reputable brand can save you money in the long run due to improved performance and durability. Research customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the experiences of others with the brands you are considering. A reliable brand with positive feedback is more likely to provide the support and quality you need for successful metalworking projects.