I had the noble goal of using only a hand-squeezer on all “squeezable” rivets during my build. However, after building the tool box practice project and setting a few 4- rivets on the empennage kit, I began contemplating the value of a pneumatic squeezers.
Don’t get me wrong, using a hand-squeezer for the entire project is completely feasible. However, 4- rivets are a pain in the ASS! I really have to bear down on them and, after setting a dozen or so, my hands become sore and my forearms tired. With more time, I’m sure setting 4- rivets with a hand squeezer will become easier (and I will develop arms like Popeye!), but I decided it was time to start researching pneumatic squeezers and buy one when I found a good deal.
New pneumatic squeezers start at around $550. However, this price generally does not include a yoke. At a minimum, I will need two yokes to get full use/value of the squeezer. A 3” and a longeron yoke would be a start, and each of these cost $130ish.
My search almost ended when I found a rebuilt squeezer at Avery Tools for $449. This squeezer included a 3” yoke and an adjustable set. However, just as I was about to place an order with Avery, I hopped onto the forums at vansairforce.net and saw a for sale posting for a used pneumatic squeezer. For $495, it included a 3” yoke, a longeron yoke, quick change yoke pins, a fixed set and an adjustable set.
One thing I have learned is that the RV community is a bunch of trustworthy people, so, site unseen, I made the deal. When I returned from a week of vacation in Arizona, the squeezer was waiting for me.
I’ve only played with the squeezer a little bit and I can already tell that it is going to drastically speed-up the process of setting rivets. I can’t wait to use it on the real deal.
Pneumatic squeezer with 3" and longeron yokes.
Ethan's RV-7 