Is my pneumatic squeezer broken?

jlott · #1 05-27-2012, 09:57 PM

Suddenly, my pneumatic squeezer isnt setting rivets straight. Basically, at the end (most extended) part of the squeeze, the set holder is visibly shifting toward the tip and side of the yoke which makes the shop head set lopsided...

I verified I have the set holder inserted into the base correctly. Is my squeezer broken? Could it just be the set holder itself?

Help! Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

(Photos are on my blog: http://www.n251rv.com/2012/05/27/pne...eezer-problem/ )

Stalldog · #2 05-27-2012, 10:04 PM

You're using a no hole yoke, which I assume is pushing the set to the upper limits of travel. Some of the vendors say you need a longer 1.25" set for this to work, depending on what you have for the squeezer. If you install a holed yoke that holds the other end of the set, thus reducing the travel, do you still have this problem? I bet the problems goes away, check and see.

FlyingArcher · #3 05-28-2012, 04:14 AM

You might just be at the thread limit of your adjustable holder. While it's still guided at the bottom, it stays straight, but when reaching full extension, the guided part is almost none, and it's able to move sideways.
As Jim said, you might need a longer set if you want to set short rivets with this no-hole yoke.

rocketbob · #4 05-28-2012, 06:53 AM

The no-hole yokes have a taller base. Because of this the adjustable shaft won't work well with a thin flush set since its near the end of the screw travel and there's not enough of the shaft in the bore of the yoke to adequately support it. You would get better results with a longer flush rivet set.

CPSONE · #5 05-28-2012, 08:16 AM

Make sure your adjustable set holder is not bent.

jlott · #6 05-29-2012, 07:53 AM

Thanks for the feedback and ideas guys

The adjustable set holder appears to be straight, according to my machinists rule.

I tried using a "holed" yoke with the longest flush set that I have. That caused the adjustable set to only have about 1/4" of threads exposed since it was screwed down so far. The problem was somewhat lessened in that case but isn't completely gone. Shop heads are still set visibly lopsided.

I'm running out of ideas. Perhaps this squeezer is damaged internally... There is plenty of grease in there so its not getting bound or anything.

I'm going to give it a bit more thought but I think I'm at the point of needing to contact Isham.

Stalldog · #7 05-29-2012, 08:25 AM

Yep, I'd contact Isham. When I called them last week I had to leave a voicemail for them to call me back, but they did just that later that day.

Stalldog · #8 05-29-2012, 08:17 PM

Forgot to mention to let us know what Isham says. Inquiring minds would like to know.

Bill.Peyton · #9 05-29-2012, 08:58 PM

The no hole set that I purchased from Isham came with a separate and longer shaft, along with an additional longer set. Do you have the longer set? From time to time I use the adjustable shaft for when the material is thicker and does not require the shaft be screwed out to the end

Stalldog · #10 05-29-2012, 09:06 PM

You know, it's strange, but when I spoke with Isham a couple of weeks ago when looking for a no hole yoke they also indicated I would need the longer adjustable set. I ended up buying a no hole yoke from Cleveland, and they indicated I would not need a longer adjustable set, that it would work with my existing set. I've installed and used it with my existing set and it seems to work fine. So, I'm guessing the one from Isham is maybe a little different from others and that it does require a 1.25 inch set. Again, let us know what Isham says about your problem and how to resolve it.