How to Tune Up a Tapco Pro 19 Sheet Metal Brake

This video shows how to tune up a Tapco Pro 19 brake using a Tune-Up Kit 10819 from Tapco Tools. This tuner-up kit is suitable for Tapco brakes from 8 feet to 12 feet, 6 inches long. Here's how to tune up a Tapco Pro 19 brake:

1. Remove rubber pin keepers

• Use a slotted screwdriver to push into the end of the pin and peel it out of the slot.
• Open the brake.
• Use 1/8 in Allen wrench to push the pin out of the hole. The 1/8 in size is easy to slip in through the casting, and if it is stubborn, you can tap it with a hammer to knock it out.
• Slide the pins out with the screwdriver.
• Slide in the new pins (five per side).
• If you’re right-handed, line the pins up at the right ends of the openings (one per side).

A 3/16-inch Allen wrench comes with both the kit and the brake. Use the Allen wrench along with a 7/16-inch open-end wrench to loosen the bolt holding the knuckle.

2. Install the power links

• The bottom block has a reverse thread. Snug it up with the Allen wrench.
• The upper link has a standard thread. Screw it on until it is about one thread apart.
• Slide the block into the frame and slip the bolt through the holes.
• Install the nut on the other side.
• Tighten with an Allen wrench and 7/16 inch box-end wrench until it just passes the Nylok: this will leave the link loose for movement.
• Do this for all of the castings.

3. Remove and replace the vinyl strip

• Use pliers to grab the strip at one end and pull it off from that end.
• To slide the new vinyl strip on, lubricate the slot with WD-40.
• Line up the ball end of the vinyl strip into the cylindrical slot.
• Grasp the end with pliers, and pull and feed the vinyl strip simultaneously.

4. Replace the handle

• Make sure all of the knuckles are facing up.
• Starting in the center, slide the pins through the holes in the handle. Use a screwdriver to slide the pin through the center hole on the top of the link.
• Repeat this for all knuckles.
• Replace the rubber pin keepers on either side of the pins. Slide them up to the pins and press them into the slot.

5. Adjust the brake

• Cut five cards of aluminum coil stock and slide them in at each casting.
• Lock the brake down. Tighten down each casting with the Allen wrench until it is just tight enough that you can’t pull it out.
• Work your way down the brake until it is consistent.

When all five castings are adjusted to equal holding power, you're ready to get back to work.