Pneumatic Squeezer

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.