Disclosed herein is a sheet metal cleat, together with a method and apparatus for forming material such as sheet metal into U-shaped cleats. The sheet metal cleat includes a planar edge margin having an outer or free edge which is spaced at a uniform distance from the unbent portion of the sheet metal. The method involves bending of the sheet metal around the end of a die of uniform thickness. The apparatus includes a single die and a pair of metal forming members which are movable along paths at right angles to each other and relative to the die so as to bend the sheet metal around an end of the die into a U-shape. Also included is a clamping member movable in parallel relation to and in the same guideway as one of the punches. The apparatus is also particularly designed to afford side loading and unloading, as well as front loading.
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