Panther Sport Aircraft Forums

I finally got around to posting some of the less publicized tools that have worked well for me. One in particular is the modification to the Nail Dimpler purchased from Sonex. Bill Mosher and I came up with something that works great for me. Here is the link to the post for "Tools" on PantherBuilder.ORG.

http://pantherbuilder.org/tools/

Merry Christmas.

I was hoping someone else had the same problem, and new of a substitute rivet gun that would work. Rather than trying to cut the threads off this dimpling tool, I would probably just order a set from Sonex. This nail dimpler actually works pretty good. Because the male end threads into the tool, there is one less tool part to loose. It's a shame the company that makes it, is also trying to sell you a expensive rivet gun to go with it.
What they probably don't want you to know, is Harbor Freight makes a rivet gun that has the same threads as there tool. It's the Pittsburgh heavy duty pop rivet gun, Item #66422. Right now it's on sale for $19.99. When you subtract the %20 coupon (which seems to be available everywhere), it should be around $16.00. The long handles on this rivet gun are a little cumbersome. It's not to much of a problem on small parts, but it can be a pain with the skins. I'm going to buy another #66422, and modify it. I am going to cut the handles back, and remove the bottle. This will just be my nail dimpler tool. I won't need the long handles, because it takes so little pressure to set a dimple.

Glen

We have had success using the Harbor Freight ail puller. Set your air pressure to 28 lbs., that will stop the puller from breaking the nail. Take the largest rivet die that comes with the gun and using JB WELD attach your male die to the rivet gun die. This saves the wear and tear on your wrist and is a lot faster.
Now you are putting the nail and die thru the hole from the inside, put the gun on, pull trigger, and OLAYH, it has happened!!
Make sure that you read the info on "Flush Rivet Procedures" that is posted. We have had many discussions on this procedure, and the procedure is right on now.

Have Fun
Bill Mosher #46

Glen , we use the nail type dimple die the dose not screw into a gun. Can you just cut the threads off and use it like the ATS and sonex style dies?

I'm using ones from ATS (P/N 5102D-1/8, $8.95). Not sure if they are 120deg or not, but the in the few places that I have had to use them the rivets seat exactly like all the others I've done with the nice (and expensive) dimple dies that I have. I use them with my cheap hand riveter with a swivel head and I have had no problems getting at them to squeeze.

I guess that doesn't really answer your question about a squeezer to fit what you have though…

Andy

Yea, it is sad that they had to build it that way. The only other one that AS sells is 100 degree and they say that it works with 120 degree also, but I don't believe them. The Sonex people sell one for about 10 dollars. I modified mine to be attached to a nose piece that works in my pneumatic dimpler which makes this tool very easy to use.

I'm trying to use a 120 degree, nail dimpling tool I bought from Aircraft Spruce (part number 17014). The problem I am having is trying to find a hand squeeze rivet gun, that the male end of this tool will screw on. It seems the threads on this die, are wider that most rivet guns. I have tried a Arrow, Malco, 2 styles of Harbor Freight, and 2 styles of Craftsman rivet guns, and none of them have this thread pattern. The only rivet gun I found that will accept this die, is the Harbor Freight long handled hand squeeze rivet gun. The dies work great on this rivet gun, but it is too bulky for tight spaces. The label that comes with the tool, said to use the Cherry Rivet hand gun. The only hand squeeze rivet gun I found at Aircraft Spruce (and the one recommended by ACS), is the Cherry G-28, which lists for $123.75. There has to be a much cheaper alternative. Does anyone know a reasonably priced, small, hand squeeze rivet gun that will work with these dies. The company that makes the dimple tool is called: ACS Products Co., Box 152, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403.

Thanks,
Glen