Rivet Squeezing RV-4 wing spars.

[280FX]

I am building a F-1 Rocket and just finished riveting my R-4 wing spars using a pneumatic squeezer. Those 3/16” diameter rivets requires a tandem-piston (6000psi) to do the job. I got my pneumatic squeezer from Joe Krzyzewski of Atlanta Air Tool, Taft, Tenn. Joe custom manufacturers various squeezers/yokes and is very knowledgeable, professional, helpful, and friendly.

Joe is good friend with Bob Avery of Avery Tools, who has a custom yoke specifically designed for squeezing the 3/16” rivets on RV-4 main spar. Bob was kind enough to loan me his yoke. I also made a jig out of scrap 4X4” wood to hold the squeezer, which is easy to move around my work bench and clamp in place. This made the task very easy and fun to do, I am very happy with the results.

So, I want to give much thanks and kudos to Joe and Bob for being so helpful.

[PropMan]

Looks good Dean, I too am prepairing to rivet my 4 spars, How much is that pneumatic squeezer? On my 6 i used the 2lb hammer and Avery rivet/dimple tool. Worked well, but having a pneumatic tool is appealing.

[DanNiendorff]

Glad to see you got it done.

[280FX]

Originally Posted by PropMan

Looks good Dean, I too am prepairing to rivet my 4 spars, How much is that pneumatic squeezer? On my 6 i used the 2lb hammer and Avery rivet/dimple tool. Worked well, but having a pneumatic tool is appealing.

The Squeezer costs $600 without any yokes. I almost borrowed one from a forum member who was kind enough to offer borrowing his. Thanks Dan.😉👍

[280FX]

Originally Posted by DanNiendorff

Glad to see you got it done.

Thanks Dan! I appreciate your offer to borrow your squeezer. 😉👍

[chrisdsimpson]

I will be building my main spar in a few months would it be possible to borrow this rivet squeezer ?

Thanks
-Chris

[280FX]

Sorry, I am almost finished with Bob Avery’s yoke and he wants me to send it back to him. I would contact Bob about borrowing his yoke, and also Dan Niendorff from his post above to borrow his squeezer. I have two neighbors that are next in line waiting for my squeezer.
Dean

[Dayz]

Wow, that squeezer looks great, and make your life easier.

But seriously, we were afraid as well, but used a harden steel rod in the C-Frame, Made sure Spar was level and Flat on the table, and all rivets are perfect....using that 5lbs Hammer. Took 1 hour.

I would not delay just for the tool, sounds weird, feels weird but works perfectly.
EL