patch panel sheetmetal tool

[KTO]

Hey, I am looking for a type of sheetmetal tool I saw a guy using once to install patch panels. I am not sure what it was called or where to get one.

What it did was put a little jog in the edge of the sheetmetal where he cut to seam the new patch panel,

It made it so you would not have to underlay the new patch on your seam. It made an inch recess along the entire seam of the original metal so you could lay your new patch panel on the seam and everything woudl then fit flush.

Any ideas what I'm talking about or what the tool is called?

Thanks!

[Steve]

That's a flange tool. Eastwood offers them in pnuematic and hand versions. The cheapest that I know of is from Harbor Freight. I have one and it works well...it punches holes, too. Of course, I don't flange, I butt.

[KTO]

Thanks for the reply. I'll check out harbor freight now.

[lemurfart]

Of course, I don't flange, I butt.

which ones better?

[Killer_Mopar]

I have harbor freight one and am surprised how well it works. I bought it for the flanging abilty, but have used it more for punching holes. Definetly a nice air tool to have around.....

[Mt.St.BigBlock]

which ones better?

OH, OH....Here we go again!! LOL

[ShelbyDogg]

I use one too from Habor Freight. The hole punch is so quick and fast.  I still have to drill holes for the middle of the panels, but on the edges, you can't beat this tool for speed of punching holes.

[Alaskan_TA]

With overlapping seams there is a place for moisture and dirt to collect, rust soon follows. Butt welds are more work but worth it.

Barry

[Steve]

Flanging is typically easier, but as TA said, potentially problematic. If you flange, make sure to lay weld thru primer on each mating surface, then make sure to seal the flange. Some guys will weld the entire seam, but note that you essentially have two seams on a flange weld, and one of those seams is typically hard to get to.

Butt welds can crack or flat out break. They can be tough to master. Panel fit is a must. Check out my threads on quarter panel install. If you can replicate that basic process for floors and stuff, you'll do OK. Take your time and use air to cool the metal between welds. Use a soft wire that is easy to grind. I use "Twenty Gauge" brand wire from J. Harris. Use flap discs and 3-M rolocs to grind the welds. Grind both sides of the weld smooth and flat.

[KTO]

I was thinking about using the flange tool and then use the 3M panel adhesive instead of welding. I've seen a few cars built using the adhesive on a flange instead of welding, looks like a slick way of installing patches without distorting the metal.


Is this the guy. (see link)...?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=41696

[ShelbyDogg]

That's it, Very nice tool. I think I got it for $25. ask the manager for the sale price. They always give it to me.