[rjtjrt]

Has anyone got experience of using these for RV build (silly question really as I expect a number of people have).
No one ever seems to make any referrence to using or wanting to own these. Plenty of referrence to C type pneumatic with yokes.
Are the alligators useful/desirable/hard to use/etc?
John Russell

 

[Rick6a]

Has anyone got experience of using these for RV build (silly question really as I expect a number of people have).
No one ever seems to make any referrence to using or wanting to own these. Plenty of referrence to C type pneumatic with yokes.
Are the alligators useful/desirable/hard to use/etc?
John Russell

Easily counted among my favorite tools, I have always preferred the alligator type pneumatic squeezer over the far more common "C" type and have said so here many times. An archive search of the discussion would reveal my personal bias among the many opinions you will find:

http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=12141&highlight=Alligator+Squeezer

http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=2362

I made a dirt simple video just to demonstrate how ergonomic and fast you can dimple any given part using the alligator squeezer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR2giHt2Mi0

A very BIG catch: I do not much care for the smaller (and cheaper) alligator squeezers. Utility wise, the smaller variety does not possess any great advantage (if at all) over the average "C" type. A much more desirable tandem cylinder 2-1/4" jaw alligator like mine is best but will set you back some serious cash. Years ago, I justified the purchase based upon my production experience using the alligator type on the job and then the amount of general aircraft repair/modification work I found myself doing for others after hours.....long before I decided to build an RV. http://tinyurl.com/44jx6k

 

[DanH]

<<A very BIG catch: I do not much care for the smaller (and cheaper) alligator squeezers.>>

As noted elsewhere, I tend to adopt older high-quality tools. Some folks collect stamps or seashells. I like tools.

Have a pair of CP351's, 5" and 9" jaws. 351's are too heavy for general RV work requiring easy tool mobility, so I won't claim you should run out and buy a new one. However, if you spot a bargain, grab it. Why? The 9" spends most of its time bench mounted, and is absolutely wonderful in that application. You can easily pass a whole lot of lightweight parts through those long jaws.