Malco
Malco SL5 Snap Lock Punch 9 in Nickel Plated Steel hand tool
Punches 3/8 in. lock tabs in sheet metal up to .035 in. thick with 9 in. nickel-plated steel jaws and red vinyl grips
- TypeKnives, Cutters & Snips
- Red vinyl grips improve comfort and safety
- Nickel-plated steel construction delivers strength and durability
- 3/8 in. cutting width handles thin sheet metal and cardboard
- 3/8 in. jaw depth reaches into confined spaces
- Cuts aluminium up to .035 in. thickness
Purpose-built for thin sheet work
The Malco SL5 Snap Lock Punch is a 9 in nickel-plated steel hand tool designed to form lock seams in sheet metal, cardboard and similar thin materials. Its jaws cut a 3/8 in. wide slot and reach 3/8 in. deep, making the tool suited for HVAC duct assembly, flashing repairs and light fabrication where a positive snap-lock joint is required.
Check material thickness and access
Before ordering, confirm that the stock you plan to punch is no thicker than .035 in aluminium or equivalent gauge in other metals, as the tool is rated for that limit. Verify that a 9 in. overall length and 3/8 in. jaw depth will reach the seam locations on your workpiece, especially inside ducts or tight corners where clearance is restricted.
Low-force operation keeps fatigue down
The compound leverage of the pivot mechanism lets a single hand form each lock with modest effort, so repetitive use on long duct runs stays comfortable. Red vinyl grips cushion the handles and resist slipping when hands are oily or cold. Nickel plating protects the steel from corrosion, so the punch maintains clean cuts without lubrication in normal shop conditions.
Highlights
- Red vinyl grips improve comfort and safety
- Nickel-plated steel construction delivers strength and durability
- 3/8 in. cutting width handles thin sheet metal and cardboard
- 3/8 in. jaw depth reaches into confined spaces
- Cuts aluminium up to .035 in. thickness
Specifications
| Brand | Malco |
|---|---|
| Type | Knives, Cutters & Snips |
Questions about this item
What comes with the Malco SL5 snap lock punch and what must be purchased separately?
The punch ships as a single 9 in nickel plated steel tool with red vinyl grips; no additional components are included and no separate items are required for basic operation.
Which version of the Malco SL5 should I choose for punching 3/8 in holes in thin sheet metal?
The SL5 is offered in one configuration — 9 in overall length, 3/8 in jaw depth and cutting width, rated for material up to .035 in aluminum — so that single version covers the stated punching task.
How does the .035 in aluminum capacity translate to everyday use on a job site?
It means the jaws can cleanly punch lock seams in standard light-gauge ductwork, flashing and similar thin metals without deforming the surrounding material.
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