How to Make a Picket Twister

Picket twisters, also known as scroll bender or bending jig, are devices use to shape metal for making decorative shapes for railings and fences. These jigs allow the user to use leverage and brute strength to shape the metal. While most people who want a fence or railing will either just buy the one they want or buy the device for making the bends, it is possible to make your own picket twister.

Block of steel 7 inches long, 2 inches high and 5/8 inches high
Heavy-duty drill press
Four 3 1/2-by-1/4-inch bolts with matching nuts
Washers
Socket wrench bolts of various thicknesses to go over the 3 1/2-inch bolts
Two metal straps 2 inches long, 1/4 inch thick and 1 inch wide
Wrench
Vise

Instructions

- 1
  Drill a 1/4-inch hole through the steel block 1 1/2 inches from the end of the long axis. Drill another 1/4-inch hole one inch closer to the center. Drill two matching holes at the other end of the block.
- 2
  Drill two 1/4-inch holes one inch apart through each of the two straps.
- 3
  Slide two 3 1/2-inch bolts through the holes on one of the straps. Slide a socket wrench bolt over one of the bolts.
- 4
  Insert the ends of the 3 1/2-inch bolts extending from the strap into the two holes at one end of the block. The bolt with the socket wrench bolt on it should be on the inside. Place washers and nuts on 3 1/2-inch bolts on the underside of the block. Tighten the nuts with a wrench.
- 5
  Repeat this process with the other strap at the other end of the block. Secure the picket twister to a table with a vice. It is now ready for use.

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