Chicago Dreis & Krump Hand Brake — Model 816 (Old-Style American)
Serial Number: ~3000000
Type: Manual / Hand-Operated Apron or Straight Brake (also called Hand Brake or Ap¬ron Brake)
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Specifications
- Bending Length: (Working Length) ~97-inches (≈ 8 ft)
- Width / Depth: ~21-inches (from back of top clamp leaf to front of apron or forming leaf) (this is what you measured; actual throat or depth may vary somewhat in catalogs)
- Gauge Capacity, Mild Steel: 16 gauge as standard (≈ 1.6 mm)
- Gauge Capacity, Stainless Steel: Around 20 gauge in many listings for S-816 variants.
- Minimum Flange (for bending edge to allow flange): ~1-inch.
- Minimum Reverse Bend (on lighter material): ~1/4-inch reverse bend capability.
- Overall Dimensions (Typical): ~140″ length × 51″ width × 62″ height for variants of SB-816 / S-816.
- Approximate Weight: 2,100 lbs (shipping / assembled machine) for the “SB-816” version. Some used ones are ~1,650-1,700 lbs depending on configuration.
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Description
This is a heavy-duty, old-style American hand brake made by Chicago Dreis & Krump. The “816” means: 8 foot bending length and 16 gauge (mild steel) capacity (i.e. it’s designed to reliably bend up to 16 ga mild steel over the full width). It has manual clamping (a clamping leaf to hold material while you bend) and an apron or forming leaf that you lift/manipulate by hand. It is a floor model, built ruggedly, often with counterweights or support arms to help with ease of bending.
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What It Does
- Holds sheet metal firmly in place via a clamping/top leaf so you can make straight, clean bends without slippage.
- Bends metal by lifting the apron (forming or bending leaf) up to the desired bend angle.
- Can do reverse bends (i.e. bending past flat in the opposite direction on lighter material) when the material and setup permit.
- Can create flanges (i.e., create upturned edges), with a minimum flange depth of about 1″ with the full capacity.
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Capabilities
- Handles mild steel up to 16 gauge over the 8-foot length without severe deformation (with good condition).
- Capable of lighter materials (thinner gauge or stainless) though bending capacity reduces.
- Produces flanges and reverse bends for lighter materials.
- Good for repetitive straight bends, HVAC ductwork, roofing, or sheet metal fabrication where long straight bends are needed.
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Core Functions
- Clamping: The top leaf (“clamp bar” or “clamping leaf”) locks down sheet metal securely.
- Bending/apron movement: The forming leaf or apron you lift or rotate downward or upward to bend metal.
- Adjustability: Some models have quick clamp adjustments, removable nose / bottom bars, stops or gauges for repeated bends.
- Support / balance features: Some units include counterbalance arms or weights, to reduce operator effort.
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Design Features & Benefits
- Long bending length (≈ 97″ / 8 ft): Allows working with large widths of sheet material in one pass, reducing need for multiple smaller bends or jointing.
- Heavy build: Rugged steel frame, thick hinge, durable bearings/pivots, making it long-lasting even under heavy usage.
- Simple operation: No power required; fewer moving parts, easier to maintain or repair.
- Versatile use: Can handle a variety of materials (steel, some stainless, lighter metals) and forms (flanges, simple box edges, etc.).
- Removable or adjustable features: Removable or replaceable nose / bottom bars, adjustments for clamp and angle, etc., enhances flexibility and longevity.
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Applications & Industries
- Sheet metal shops — for bending long straight panels, components.
- HVAC / duct fabrication — bending flanges, making long duct sections, boxes.
- Metal roofing / siding — creating trim, flashing, panels.
- Sign shops / architectural metal — parts requiring straight bends or simple flange edges.
- Any fabrication where energy / cost of powered machinery is too high, or simplicity / low maintenance is desired.
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Machine Overview & Summary
The Chicago Dreis & Krump Model 816 is a robust, manual 8-foot apron/straight hand brake designed for bending up to 16-gauge mild steel, with smaller capacity for lighter materials like stainless. With a working bending length of about 97-inches and a floor weight in the ~1,600-2,100 lb range (depending on configuration), it’s built for durability, repeatability, and heavy shop usage. Its old-style American design means fewer electronics or hydraulics — simpler, more mechanical parts — which in turn often means easier repairs and long service life.
Given its serial (~3,000,000) and the heavy build, it is an older, likely mid-20th-century manufactured machine, built when machines were over-engineered.