A HISTORY OF THE LANCASTER SHRINKER/STRETCHER

C-B Tool is located in the heartland of Lancaster County Pennsylvania. Along with the lush green rolling countryside and the Amish community, Lancaster has a prosperous variety of industrial concerns. One of these is C-B Tool Company.

C-B Tool began in 1939 as a jobbing machine shop and the manufacturer of a variety of automotive tools. It was started by an innovative and creative man by the name of Charlie Beard but after December 7th, 1941 the company focus changed.  C-B Tool quickly became involved in the war effort. Production during the war years was 24 hours a day, 365 days a year making equipment for the ships of our Navy.

After World War II ended the company went back to its original mission of machine work and tool making. The company made all kinds of tools, including: metal shrinker and stretchers, rivet cutters, a tool designed to help position tongue and groove boards, hole punches,  crimpers, cable splicing blocks, and more.  All that remains today is the rivet cutters and the shrinker and stretcher tools.

One of the first tools manufactured by C-B Tool Co. turned out to be the best. It was the shrinker and stretcher metal forming tool. It was a difficult tool for Charlie to perfect, but the final 1939 version is virtually the same tool today. The tool shrinks and stretches metal for inside and outside turns. No more cutting and welding. You work the metal to the perfect angle. It is an easy to use quality built tool that continues to grow in popularity.

Charlie Beard is long gone, but his legacy of premium workmanship in his shrinker and stretcher remains intact with the third generation of family members. His metal forming tools are now sold worldwide. His invention has helped those in auto restoration, the aircraft industry, and automotive body shops for nearly 70 years.  It’s a great tool that is literally ageless.

                                                                  

                    METAL SHRINKER                                                           METAL STRETCHER

FEATURES:

THE LANCASTER PORTO-METAL FORMER

The specialty tool for every metal shop...

                                                           


Installation and operating instructions