Die Lifelines

Pre-purchase and set-up

There are a host of possible missteps in die handling/usage, but shortened die life usually can be chalked up to one of a few key factors. "The general causes [of short die life] are not having the right tool for the job; poor handling of the die on press; improper die maintenance and storage; or careless shipping when a die is returned for repair," says Gary Smith, VP/sales at RotoMetrics.