We Buy and Sell Used Brakes for Metalworking

  • Scroll for our inventory of used metal brakes for sale
  • Below find Press Brakes, Apron Brakes (Sheet Metal Hand Brake), Box & Pan Brakes (Finger Brake)
  • Have a surplus metal brake to sell? Fill out our Brake Buyer form or call us at 847-640-8600. 

Buy Brake Machines From Kempler with Confidence

Used brakes from our stock are warranted to be mechanically and hydraulically sound and are guaranteed with our 30 day return privilege for a full refund.


Kempler has several types of Used Brakes for Sale:

      Kempler Buys Used Press Brakes

      We're looking to buy your surplus brakes to purchase for our inventory. Sell used brakes to Kempler and get cash for your idle equipment today.

      Basic Function and Construction of Brakes

      A brake is a fabricating machine that is most commonly used to bend metal. The bends are formed by clamping together or mating a male punch and female die. Typically, all brakes have the same basic principles and components. Brakes have a ram that holds the male die which moves to mate with the female die. The female die is securely fastened to a stationary bed or platen. Usually, the bed and ram are supported by side frames or housings. These housings have to be substantially constructed to withstand a tremendous amount of force.

      Types of Brakes

      There are different types of brakes for varying applications. The differences manifest in the manner in which brakes are controlled and/or powered.

      Kempler sells a variety of different types of used brakes. Read below to familiarize yourself with the different types of used brakes for sale:

      Hydraulic Press Brakes:

      The main difference between a hydraulic brake and a mechanical brake is the manner in which the ram is driven. The ram on a hydraulic brake is powered by either one or two hydraulic cylinders.

      The hydraulically powered ram makes hydraulic brakes one of the most desirable types of brakes in today’s marketplace. Manufacturing applications are often benefited by the flexibility that hydraulic brakes afford.

      4 Benefits and Features of Hydraulic Brakes:

      • Adjustable Stroke and Daylight: Hydraulic brakes offer the flexibility to adjust the stroke length and daylight (the distance between the tooling and the bed), accommodating a wide variety of metal thicknesses and bend requirements. This adjustability enhances the machine's versatility for different projects.
      • Adjustable Pressure: Operators can precisely control the amount of pressure applied, allowing for the bending of both delicate and robust materials with precision. This feature ensures the integrity of the material is maintained, regardless of its strength or thickness.
      • Variable Speeds: The ability to adjust speeds gives operators greater control over the bending process, enabling slow precision bends or faster production speeds as needed. This adaptability is crucial for optimizing production times and ensuring high-quality results.
      • Consistency and Precision: Unlike mechanical brakes, hydraulic brakes deliver constant tonnage throughout the stroke, ensuring uniform bends. The simplicity of their design not only makes them more cost-effective compared to mechanical counterparts but also quieter and with fewer moving parts, reducing maintenance needs.

      Hydraulic brakes have gained popularity for their simplicity, efficiency, and precision in metal bending operations. The design and technological advancements in hydraulic systems allow for full programmability when equipped with CNC controls, further enhancing their capabilities and making them a preferred choice for a wide range of industrial applications. Their ability to maintain consistent pressure and speed across varying materials and thicknesses makes them indispensable in settings that demand precision and versatility.

      Unlike mechanical brakes, hydraulic press brakes deliver constant tonnage throughout the stroke. Hydraulic brakes have become popular in part because of their simplicity of design. This has allowed manufacturers to offer the machines at favorable prices when compared to their mechanical counterparts. Hydraulic Brakes are also comparatively quieter and have very few moving parts than mechanical press brakes.

      Another reason that Hydraulic Brakes are so popular is that they can be equipped with CNC controls allowing all functions of the machine to be fully programmable.

      CNC Press Brakes:

      CNC Press Brakes stand out for their ability to automate and precisely control bending operations. This makes them ideal for complex fabrication tasks that require high levels of accuracy and repeatability. Their computerized control systems allow for quick adjustments and setups, which is a significant advantage over manual and mechanical systems.

      CNC gauging offers many benefits that can include improved precision and reduced set-up times which yield higher productivity. Total controllability of all machine functions yields a safer workplace with better profitability.

      4 Benefits and Features of CNC Press Brakes:

      • Programmability: The integration of Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) allows for precise programming of multiple bends with varying depths.
      • Precision: CNC gauging enhances precision, significantly reducing setup times and boosting productivity.
      • Versatility: With CNC, adjustments for stroke, daylight, pressure, and speeds can be easily programmed, accommodating a wide range of materials and thicknesses.
      • Efficiency: The use of a back gauge controlled by the CNC controller streamlines operations, leading to higher productivity and safer workplace practices.

      Mechanical Press Brakes:

      Unlike hydraulic press brakes that are driven with a hydraulic pump and hydraulic cylinders, mechanical press brakes are actuated by an eccentric crank shaft. Where hydraulic brakes have a fully adjustable stroke length, mechanical brakes have a stroke length that is constant and is not adjustable. Generally, mechanical brakes are much faster than hydraulic brakes in considering strokes per minute. Mechanical brakes are known for their ability to maintain accuracy under full load.

      4 Benefits and Features of Mechanical Press Brakes:

      • Speed: Mechanical press brakes typically operate at higher strokes per minute compared to hydraulic brakes, making them suitable for high-volume production.
      • Consistency: These brakes maintain accuracy under full load due to their rigid operation.
      • Fixed Stroke Length: Unlike hydraulic brakes, the stroke length of mechanical brakes is constant, offering predictable and uniform bends.
      • Cost-Effectiveness: Mechanical press brakes are often less expensive in terms of initial investment and are preferred for applications where the high speed and repeatability of simple bends are paramount.

      Mechanical Press Brakes are appreciated for their high-speed operation and consistency, especially in repetitive tasks. However, their fixed stroke length limits flexibility compared to CNC and hydraulic options.

      Press Brakes

      In some cases, a fabricator may not know or care what type of brake they want for their application. In this category, we list all of our used press brakes. Here you will find used hydraulic brakes, used cnc brakes, and used mechanical brakes. For used manual brakes, such as Apron Brakes and Box & Pan Brakes, please continue reading.

      Manual Brakes:

      While some brakes are powered either hydraulically or mechanically, some brakes are manually powered. These brakes are usually used to bend sheet metal and are sometimes known as folders or sheet metal bending machines. They are an economical tool for numerous forming and fabricating applications. Unlike powered brakes, manual brakes do not require the use of dies which can be costly. Kempler carries two types of used manual sheet metal brakes; Apron Brakes and Box & Pan Brakes.

      4 Benefits and Features of Manual Brakes:

      • Economical: Manual brakes are a cost-effective solution for bending sheet metal, requiring no costly dies.
      • Simple Operation: These brakes are straightforward to use, making them accessible for maintenance shops and small fabricators.
      • Versatility: Manual brakes, including Apron and Box & Pan types, cater to a wide array of bending needs, from simple straight bends to complex box and pan shapes.
      • Low Maintenance: With fewer moving parts compared to powered brakes, manual brakes are easier to maintain and less prone to breakdowns.

      Manual Brakes, including Apron Brakes and Box & Pan Brakes, are invaluable tools for workshops that need to perform a variety of bending tasks without the complexity and cost of powered equipment. They offer simplicity and flexibility for low-volume or intricate projects.

      Apron Brake, Sheet Metal Hand Brake

      Apron Brakes, or Sheet Metal Hand Brakes, stand out for their ease of use and economic efficiency, making them a staple in small fabrication settings. These machines allow for quick setup and operation, making them ideal for projects that require straightforward bending and forming of sheet metal without the complexity or need for high-powered equipment.

      4 Benefits and Features of Apron Brakes, Sheet Metal Hand Brakes:

      • Simplicity of Design: Apron Brakes are known for their straightforward and robust design, making them easy to operate and maintain. This simplicity also contributes to their reliability and durability in a workshop setting.
      • Versatility for Light Bending: Perfect for maintenance shops or small sheet metal fabricators, Apron Brakes excel at bending light metals. They are particularly suited for quick, straight bends and simple forming tasks.
      • Economical: Without the need for costly dies required by more complex machines, Apron Brakes offer an economical solution for sheet metal bending. This makes them an accessible option for small businesses and hobbyists.
      • Compact and Efficient: Their compact size allows them to fit into smaller workspaces easily, while still providing efficient and precise bending capabilities. This efficiency is crucial for workshops where space is at a premium and productivity is key.


      Box & Pan Brake, Sheet Metal Finger Brake

      Box & pan brakes are also known also as finger brakes. They are ideal for straight bending as well as bends that form a box or pan shape. Frequently, box & pan brakes are used to bend heavier material than apron brakes. Like apron brakes, no assorted dies are needed for finger brakes.

      4 Benefits and Features of Box & Pan Brakes, Sheet Metal Finger Brakes:

      • Flexibility in Bending: Box & Pan Brakes are designed with adjustable fingers, allowing for a wide range of bending operations. This flexibility makes it possible to create boxes, pans, and other complex shapes with precision.
      • Versatility for Various Material Thicknesses: These brakes can handle a broader range of material thicknesses compared to Apron Brakes, making them suitable for more demanding fabrication tasks that require bending heavier materials.
      • No Need for Assorted Dies: Unlike many high-powered bending machines, Box & Pan Brakes do not require the use of costly dies. This feature reduces the overall operational costs and simplifies the bending process.
      • Enhanced Control for Complex Projects: The adjustable fingers provide operators with greater control over the bending process, allowing for the creation of intricate designs and custom metalwork. This level of control is essential for projects requiring precise angles and complex folding.

      Box & Pan Brakes, or Sheet Metal Finger Brakes, offer exceptional versatility and precision for sheet metal fabrication. Their design caters to a wide variety of bending tasks, from simple bends to complex shapes, without the high costs associated with dies and specialized tooling. Ideal for workshops and fabricators that demand flexibility and precision in their metalworking projects, these brakes are a crucial tool for creating custom pieces and detailed metalwork.

      Kempler Buys and Sells Numerous Brands of Brakes:

      Our inventory of used brakes is constantly evolving. Revisit this brakes page often, as the website is updated daily with our most recently acquired used brakes.

      Since 1962, Kempler has been among the world’s leaders in buying and selling press brakes. Amongst surplus press brake dealers nationwide, Kempler is highly regarded for their experience, knowledge, honesty and integrity spanning the decades.

      For more information on buying and selling used equipment with Kempler, check out our resource pages:

      • Guide to Buying Used Press Brakes
      • Where Can You Sell Used Press Brakes Online?