Baileigh MSS-16F Metal Shrinker Stretcher
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Baileigh MSS-16F Manual Shrinker Stretcher
The Baileigh MSS-16F is a professional grade manual metal shrinker stretcher that transforms flat sheet metal into complex curves and contours with precision and minimal marking. Perfect for custom automotive work, aircraft restoration, and metal fabrication projects where you need clean, professional results without the hassle of heating or hammering.
Looking to create perfect curves in sheet metal without leaving behind a trail of marks and dents? The Baileigh MSS-16F is your answer. This foot-operated metal forming machine gives you the power to shrink and stretch metal panels with remarkable precision, all while keeping your hands free to guide the material exactly where you want it.
What makes this shrinker stretcher stand out from cheaper alternatives is its thoughtful design. Unlike tools with square jaws that leave annoying indents requiring hours of finishing work, the MSS-16F features rounded jaws that minimize marring from the very first pass. This means you'll spend less time with grinders and body filler, and more time actually creating. The generous 152mm (6-inch) throat depth lets you reach deep into panels—perfect for forming wheel wells, door jambs, and other hard-to-reach areas without awkward positioning.
Whether you're restoring a classic car, building custom motorcycle parts, or fabricating aircraft components, this machine handles 16-gauge mild steel and 14 gauge aluminum with confidence. The adjustable forming depth and pressure give you complete control over your work, allowing you to shape material gradually and precisely. It comes complete with a sturdy floor stand and two sets of quick change jaws (one for shrinking, one for stretching), so you're ready to start forming metal right out of the box.
Product Video
Applications
- Automotive Restoration & Custom Fabrication: Shape replacement panels for wheel wells, door jambs, trunk corners, and floor pans without relief cuts or hammering
- Motorcycle Customization: Create flowing curves in gas tanks, fenders, and body panels for that perfect custom look
- Aircraft Body Work & Restoration: Form precise compound curves in aluminum skins, wing panels, and fuselage components
- Metal Sculpture & Art Projects: Transform flat sheets into three-dimensional sculptural forms with organic, flowing curves
- HVAC & Roofing Work: Fabricate custom ductwork transitions and roof flashing with tight radii and clean edges
- Race Car Construction: Build and repair body panels for stock cars, formula cars, and other racing applications where every detail matters
Key Features & Benefits
- Hands-Free Foot Pedal Operation: Control the forming action with your foot, leaving both hands free to guide and position the metal for better control and more professional results
- Rounded Jaws Mean Less Finishing Work: Specially designed rounded jaws compress and stretch metal without creating sharp indents, saving you hours of grinding, filling, and finishing
- Deep 152mm (6") Throat Reaches Where Others Can't: Work well into the center of large sheets without cutting them into smaller pieces, especially valuable for door skins, hoods, and large body panels
- Quick-Change Jaw System: Switch between shrinking and stretching in seconds with just an Allen wrench—no complicated disassembly required
- Adjustable Forming Depth & Pressure: Dial in exactly how much material you want to move with each stroke for complete control over complex curves or simpler bends
- Heavy Duty Construction with Included Stand: Robust steel stand provides a stable platform at comfortable working height, reducing fatigue during long forming sessions
- Handles Both Steel & Aluminum: Process 16-gauge mild steel or 14-gauge aluminum with standard jaws, with optional aluminum-specific jaws available for sensitive materials
- Professional Results at a Fraction of the Cost: Delivers 100% of the performance of more expensive machines while costing significantly less, built to professional standards without the professional price tag
What's in the Box
- MSS-16F Shrinker/Stretcher Main Unit
- Heavy Duty Floor Stand (Pre-assembled)
- Shrinking Jaw Set (for creating inside curves and compound bends)
- Stretching Jaw Set (for forming outside curves and expanded contours)
- Mounting Hardware Kit
- Allen Wrench for Jaw Changes
- Owner's Manual with Setup Instructions
- 1-Year Parts Warranty Documentation
Baileigh MSS-16F Specifications
| Model Number | MSS-16F |
|---|---|
| Mild Steel Capacity | 16 gauge (1.3mm) |
| Aluminum Capacity | 14 gauge (1.8mm) |
| Throat Depth | 152mm (6 inches) |
| Operation Type | Manual foot pedal |
Baileigh MSS-16F Manuals & Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this leave marks in my metal that need to be finished out?
The rounded jaws on the MSS-16F are specifically designed to minimize marring. While some light surface texture is normal with any shrinking/stretching process, users consistently report dramatically less finishing work compared to square-jaw alternatives. One user noted going from "hours of cleanup work" with their old tool to "hardly any marks at all" with the MSS-16F. For ultra-sensitive aluminum work, optional aluminum-specific jaws are available for even cleaner results.
How difficult is it to switch between shrinking and stretching jaws?
Very easy! The quick-change system requires just an Allen wrench (included). Simply loosen the jaw mounting screw, lift out the old jaw, drop in the new one, and tighten. Most users complete the swap in under 30 seconds. Many fabricators keep both jaws nearby and switch multiple times during a single project without frustration.
Can this handle stainless steel?
The MSS-16F is rated primarily for mild steel up to 16-gauge and aluminum up to 14-gauge. While some users successfully form thinner stainless steel (18-20 gauge), it's not the machine's primary design specification. For regular stainless steel work, you may want to consider a powered shrinker/stretcher or contact Baileigh directly for recommendations.
Do I need any special skills to use this effectively?
While metal forming does have a learning curve, the MSS-16F is designed to be intuitive. The foot pedal control and adjustable settings let you work gradually and develop your technique without expensive mistakes. Many users report that "anyone can become a metal shaper" with this tool. Starting with scrap pieces to practice is recommended, and Baileigh provides lifetime phone support from technicians with hands-on metalworking experience.
What's the difference between this and the MSS16 model?
The main difference is the jaw design. The MSS-16 has square corner jaws and an 8-inch throat depth, while the MSS-16F features rounded jaws with a 6-inch throat depth and includes the floor stand. The "F" model is specifically designed for users who want cleaner results with less finishing work. Most fabricators prefer the MSS-16F for this reason, making it Baileigh's most popular shrinker/stretcher.