Hand squeezer

wvshooter · #1 10-11-2008, 08:59 AM

What hand squeezer should I buy. I'm a new builder and have not owned or used a hand squeezer before.

L.Adamson · #2 10-11-2008, 09:19 AM

There are several good brands out there. I've really liked mine, that I bought from Avery Tools about 12 years ago. A good solid design, that does an excellent job with rivets. You can also use a lot of different size yokes with it.

http://www.averytools.com/pc-497-86-...squeezers.aspx

L.Adamson --- RV6A

SMO · #3 10-11-2008, 09:33 AM

The Cleaveland Main Squeeze is the one I have and it works really well.

http://www.cleavelandtoolstore.com/p...p?number=SCH22

I also have a 3" regular yoke, a 4" "thin nose" yoke, and a longeron (or flange) yoke. I find all of these are useful. I also have an adjustable set holder for both the Main Squeeze and my pnuematic squeezer and wouldn't be without it.

Vlad · #4 10-11-2008, 10:43 AM

Avery squeezer is good, it served me well during construction. The only thing in this thing is squeezer threaded bolt. I broke three of them, they wear out and crack inside female part. Maybe because I do not have pneumatic and hand tool works harder than usual. If you decide to buy that tool and squeeze everything with it buy two extra bolts and keep them handy because when it brakes in the middle of a job to get a new one even with the best customer service takes a bit of time. And wellcome to RV world!

N941WR · #5 10-11-2008, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vladyspassky

... If you decide to buy that tool and squeeze everything with it buy two extra bolts and keep them handy because when it brakes in the middle of a job to get a new one even with the best customer service takes a bit of time. And wellcome to RV world!

Good advice.

I used the Avery squeezer for my -9, (did not use or own a pneumatic squeezer) and by the end of the project I had to replace the original bolt as well.

The yokes you buy are just as important. You can get by with three:
1) 4" No Hole - $150
2) Longeron - $150
3) 3" Standard - $140

Holy cow! I had no idea the prices had gone up that much for these things. You can save money by buying one of the above yokes with the squeezer.

RScott · #6 10-11-2008, 11:03 AM

The Cleaveland Main Squeeze requires much less effort.

alpinelakespilot2000 · #7 10-11-2008, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RScott

The Cleaveland Main Squeeze requires much less effort.

Which means that you're less likely to bend over rivets because you are much better able at keeping the squeezer aligned with the rivet. If you're not going to get a pneumatic, then the Main Squeeze is the way to go. If you are going to get a pneumatic anyway, then go with the Avery or some cheaper squeezer.

Vlad · #8 10-11-2008, 12:17 PM

Bill I am glad I am not alone. Nothing wrong with the tool - it works excellent ( when it works

) I broke the bolt, ordered new one, got wrong (square) one, sent them old broken, they were at SnF, promtply sent me correct one with apology - three weeks are gone.

wvshooter · #9 10-11-2008, 06:21 PM

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm going to get the Cleveland "Main Squeeze". It's more expensive but over the life of the project I'm sure my weary arms and hands will appreciate the easier to use tool.

L.Adamson · #10 10-11-2008, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvshooter

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm going to get the Cleveland "Main Squeeze". It's more expensive but over the life of the project I'm sure my weary arms and hands will appreciate the easier to use tool.

FWIW, my hands and arms never got tired with the Avery either. It's kind of like squeezing " almost nothing" to do these small rivets. However, the Cleveland is the other good one I had in mind.

L.Adamson