The Bernardo SS 40 P manual shrinker and stretcher for sheet metal offers capacity on steel (400 N/mm²) up to 1.2 mm, aluminum capacity up to 1.5 mm, a throat depth of 40 mm, and a compact steel structure. Two included attachments (one for shrinking, one for stretching) eliminate the need to change tools. Weight 2.7 kg. Made in Austria, distributed in Italy by Krollit as an official Bernardo distributor since 2007.
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Steel capacity (400 N/mm²): 1.2 mm
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Aluminum capacity: 1.5 mm
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Throat depth: 40 mm
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Functions: Shrinking (compression) + Stretching (elongation)
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Operation: Manual lever
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Weight: approx. 2.7 kg
Who uses the SS 40 P and for what
The Bernardo SS 40 P Shrinker and Stretcher is a compact and lightweight piece of equipment for shrinking and stretching thin sheet metal, designed for hobbyists, car restorers, artisanal body shops, and small workshops that work with panels, curved edges, and profiles. The shrinking action compresses the sheet metal, concentrating the material, useful for closing curves; the stretching action elongates it, distributing it, useful for opening curves. The two interchangeable attachments included (one shrinker, one stretcher) eliminate tool changeover times. The 1.2 mm capacity on mild steel and 1.5 mm on aluminum covers virtually all historical and modern car bodywork, light sheet metal covers, and artisanal work on copper and brass up to 1.5 mm. In Krollit customers' workshops, it is typically chosen by vintage car restorers, tinsmiths, and metal hobbyists who work with small pieces.
Its place in the Bernardo range
In the Bernardo Shrinker/Stretcher range, the SS 40 P is the entry-level model for manual use: compact, lightweight (2.7 kg), with a 40 mm throat depth. Above it, the range includes Shrinker/Stretchers with greater throat depths (60-100 mm) and heavy-duty lever or pneumatic versions for professional workshops. The 40 mm throat depth of the SS 40 P is its main limitation: it can only process small pieces or the perimeter areas of larger pieces. For restoring side windshields, rear fenders, and car panels, the SS 40 P is correctly sized; for larger pieces or deep internal work, consider models with a larger throat depth. The tool is ergonomically designed to be fixed to a workbench: the mounting holes in the base allow for attachment with standard bolts.
Krollit logistics and support
Bernardo shipping in 5-9 business days (7 days to the South). At 2.7 kg, it is shipped in a single protective package and can be handled and installed by one person without equipment. Original Bernardo spare parts (shrinking and stretching jaws, lever) available from stock with 3-5 business days shipping. Customer support available in Italian.
Who is the SS 40 P for?
| Profile |
Compatibility |
Reason |
| Passionate hobbyist / restorer |
Recommended |
Compact, economical tool, perfect for light sheet metal restoration and occasional work. Two included attachments cover both functions. |
| Artisanal body shop / tinsmith |
Adequate |
Suitable for finishing work on small parts. For large parts or professional production, consider models with 60-100 mm throat depth. |
| Professional bodywork production |
Not suitable |
The 40 mm throat depth and manual operation are sized for occasional use, not for intensive production of large parts. |
Not suitable for: working on sheet metal over 1.2 mm steel or 1.5 mm aluminum (the structure is not sized for this); pieces requiring a throat depth greater than 40 mm (centers of large panels); professional production at an intensive pace (consider models with heavy-duty lever or pneumatic operation).
Working capacity
| Specification |
Value |
| Steel capacity (strength 400 N/mm²) |
1.2 mm |
| Aluminum capacity |
1.5 mm |
| Throat depth |
40 mm |
| Functions |
Shrinking + Stretching (interchangeable attachments) |
Dimensions and weight
| Specification |
Value |
| Weight |
approx. 2.7 kg |
Compliance
| Specification |
Value |
| Marking |
CE |
Standard equipment
- 1 Shrinker attachment (compression)
- 1 Stretcher attachment (elongation)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the SS 40 P on stainless steel?
Standard stainless steel (typical strength 500-600 N/mm²) requires more compression/stretching force than mild steel. The SS 40 P is sized for mild steel 400 N/mm² up to 1.2 mm: on stainless steel, the practical limit drops to approximately 0.8-1.0 mm.
Bernardo's technical specifications refer to mild steel with a strength of 400 N/mm². Stronger steels (high-strength, stainless steel) reduce the workable thickness proportionally to their strength. For predominant use on stainless steel, it is recommended to verify with practical tests on scrap material before working on important pieces.
What is the difference between shrinking and stretching?
Shrinking compresses the sheet metal, concentrating the material (useful for closing convex curves). Stretching elongates the sheet metal, distributing it over a larger surface (useful for opening concave curves or creating domed shapes).
The two processes are complementary in bodywork restoration: shrinking is typically used on edges that tend to open during shaping, stretching on internal areas that need to take on a three-dimensional curved shape. The SS 40 P includes both interchangeable attachments, avoiding the need to purchase two separate machines.
Does it need to be fixed to a workbench or can it be used freely?
It must be fixed to a stable workbench using bolts in the mounting holes of the base. Manual lever operation requires stability to exert the necessary force.
Free use of the machine without fixing is impractical: the force exerted on the lever would require holding the machine with one hand and operating with the other, which is not an ergonomic and precise condition. Workbench fixing is simple (4 standard bolts) and allows for two-handed work (one on the workpiece, one on the lever).
How often should the shrinker/stretcher jaws be replaced?
In hobbyist-craft use, the jaws last many years without replacement. In intensive professional use, they may require replacement after several thousand operations to maintain cutting precision.
Original Bernardo jaws are made of hardened steel and sized for prolonged use. The sign that it is time to replace them is a loss of effectiveness in the compression (shrinking) or stretching action, typically accompanied by a worsening of the finish on the sheet metal. Original Bernardo replacement jaws are available from stock with 3-5 business days shipping.
Can I also work with copper and brass with the SS 40 P?
Yes, copper and brass (softer than steel) can be worked up to thicknesses greater than the steel limit: typically up to 1.5-2 mm on copper, up to 1.5 mm on brass.
Soft non-ferrous metals (copper, brass, aluminum) require less force for shrinking and stretching than steel. The SS 40 P is well suited for artistic and restoration work on these materials, common in modeling, applied art, and restoration of antique objects. The nominal Bernardo capacity refers to mild steel; other metals are handled with a safety margin.
