Portable Mini-Brake
Make big or small fabrications on the job with this lightweight and portable tool! The versatile Mini-Brake produces bends up to 135 degrees in sheet metals, including aluminum, copper, and 22-gauge galvanized steel. The brake’s compact size can accommodate sheet metal stock up to 4-feet wide, in any length, because there is no fixed throat depth to contend with.
Use the Mini Brake anywhere on the job site, even on a truck tailgate, for a variety of fabricating tasks from large HVAC transitions to narrow roof flashing to structures as small as a 4-inch square. Strengthening ribs on the brake’s anvil and apron ensure consistent bends. A safety-conscious, cam-over style clamping mechanism, similar to much larger shop-floor brakes, keeps the anvil secure in any position. Optional legs are available separately.
Features
- Portable design offers the capability to easily move brake from one setting to another.
- Produces bends in sheet metal up to 135 degrees.
- No fixed throat depth.
- Strengthening ribs on the brake’s anvil and apron ensure consistent bends.
- A safety-conscious, cam-over style clamping mechanism, similar to much larger shop-floor brakes, keeps the anvil secure in any position.
- Optional legs available separately.
FAQs
Q: How do you make a ½” bend with 22g?
A: A ¾” bend in 22 gauge is the shortest bend depth for the material.
To bend a ¾” bend, mark the material at bend dimension and clamp the material using the anvil of the brake. Next lift the apron handles while pushing against the feet. Applying the force to the apron and the feet at the same time will increase the force applied to the Sheetmetal.
Q: How do I adjust the MB48A?
A: See the instructions for the brake: Instructions (malcotools.com)
TENSIONING ADJUSTMENT The MB48A comes equipped with an adjustable strengthening rib on the anvil. This rib is preset at the factory for optimal performance. Increased tension may be desired when consistently bending heavier materials. USER TIP: 1. Best results are achieved with the anvil adjusted so that it is parallel with the entire width of apron. 2. When bending a full 48″ (121.92 cm) width in 22-gauge (.889 mm) galvanized steel, a 3/4″ (19.05 mm) depth is the shortest possible bend. In 28-gauge (.4826 mm), a 1/2″ (12.7 mm) depth is the shortest possible bend. 3. In 22-gauge (.889 mm) galvanized steel, expect a 1/4″ (6.35 mm) bend radius. In 28-gauge (.4826 mm), expect a 1/8″ 3.175 mm) bend radius. IMPORTANT – Before making any adjustments to your MB48A, use a marker to indicate the original factory settings on each of the adjustment bolts. While using an open-end wrench to keep each nut from turning, turn each bolt clockwise to increase the anvil tension. Turn the bolts counterclockwise to decrease the anvil tension.
My Review for Portable Mini-Brake
Testimonials
JojaVon
Easy, portable, fits the bill
If you can manage a tape measure and a t square, this brake is great for fabbing in the field.Zippy
It’s great to have a brake I can take on the job
Use this all the time. As an HVAC contractor, it's great to have a brake I can take on the job for on the spot fittings. I would recommend this to others for sure.Rob Balo
Great tool for the money!!
Great portability! Easy set up! Makes jobsite setup and use very easy! wish I had ordered it a long time ago.Lee Vang
I really like it
Since I got it I was able to get all my projects done according to what I need it for. So I enjoyed every minute of it.Jerome A. Grohskopf
Malco MB48A IS JUST THE TOOL
This tool is so handy. My bending jobs turned out perfect. I used it to bend alum trim around my new windows.Yo-ko
Handy tool
I bend aluminum trim coil to flash chimneys and do small roofing trim detail. Keep in mind that this brake works differently from large aluminum brake. For example, you can't bend a piece longer than 48" because the sides of this brake are in the way. i.e. you can't bend half and then another half of the same longer piece. It won't fit.Mike
Great Tool!
This portable break works great in the field. I wasn't sure how it would do beening that I've only used 8' heavy duty breaks in a shop up to this point. Does what needs to be done with no problems or issues. A+Carl Kriebel Jr.