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RV Journal Product Review

TATCO Hand Squeezer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is it?: TATCO Hand Rivet Squeezer
Where do you get it?: Brown Aviation Tool Supply Company
                                 5700 N. Rockwell, Building Two, Suite E
                                 Bethany, Oklahoma 73008
                                 800-587-3883 or 405-495-4991
                                 FAX: 405-495-4992
What does it cost?: $119.95 for 1.5" model complete
                              $154.95 for 3" model complete
                              $65.95 for 3" yoke only

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Cheers: Very nice fit and finish; Smooth operation; Reasonable price; Interchangeable yokes.

Jeers: Roll pins that attach yoke are somewhat of a hassle to remove and insert.

 


One of the first tools the beginning RV builder is going to add to the toolbox is a hand squeezer. This will be one of your most often used handtools from day one until the day your new RV rolls onto the airport ramp. There are at least three different types of squeezers that I have seen, and the TATCO is one of the highest quality versions available (and made in the USA!). Brown Aviation Tool Supply Company, a comprehensive aircraft tool supplier, has very competitive pricing on this fine tool along with first-rate service.

A hand squeezer is used not only for setting rivets, but when outfitted with dimple dies, for dimpling components in preparation for riveting. The standard .187" dimple and rivet sets are accommodated, and full adjustability is available for all commonly performed tasks. The piston has just enough drag in its adjustment to prevent it from "creeping" during the course of a work session, and the setting action is silky smooth as you pull the handles together.

I am really impressed with the high quality of the finish on the stainless steel yokes and handles; This is great-looking stuff! I admit to being a tool-junkie, and beautifully finished tools add a lot of enjoyment to their use. I have a simpler squeezer that came as part of an "RV Tool Kit", and while it works quite well, not only does it not have interchangeable yokes, the appearance just isn't in the same league as the Tatco.

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The ability to change yokes avoids the necessity of having to purchase two complete squeezers. However, if the budget allows, having two squeezers is a nice luxury. One set can remain loaded with dimple dies while the other carries a rivet set. Also, after you swap out the yokes on the TATCO a few times, you may start lusting after another handle set for the extra yoke. The yoke is attached with roll pins which do an admirable job of keeping the yoke secured, so much so that they can be reluctant to turn loose when you want them out for a yoke change. There may be a trick for easily removing and reinserting the pins, but I haven't discovered it yet. Besides, as often as you will use the squeezers on your project, the additional expense of the second squeezer may be justified unless your tool budget is flying at sea-level only.

Also included on the TATCO is a nifty locking lever that holds the handles together when the tool in at rest. A squeezer can take up quite a bit a real estate if stored with its handles sprawled.

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I like this tool! The 3" jaws will reach about any job that is practical for a hand squeezer, and the quality of the workmanship leads me to believe that it will last through the second and third RV (and if I want Joyce to know this....let ME tell her....). Michael Brown and the folks at Brown Aviation Tool have been in the tool business long enough to have established a solid track record, and will be happy to get one of these reasonably priced beauties on the way to you. Check out their great web site and/or get them to send you a catalog.

 

Highly Recommended.

Sam Buchanan

Reader Followup:

After the above review was published, Jeff Hawkins, RV8 builder in Suwanee, Georgia, responded with the following post:

"Hi Sam,

I just read your review of the TATCO Hand Squeezer and have to agree with you 100% on this tool. I would also like to share with you an experience I had in getting my TATCO hand squeezer fixed.

I accuired my TATCO hand squeezer from my father who built an RV-6 with it. By the time I had received the tool the bushing that guides the lower set holder was pretty well worn and kept popping out.

The name and number of the company that makes the TATCO hand squeezer is Townsed Aerospace Inc. (310)-644-7640. I called Townsed and told them of the problem I had with the bushing in the squeezer. They told me to ship the entire squeezer to them and they would take care of it. Well, they sure did and at no charge. In fact, they fixed it and sent it back the same day that they received it. They also put a new cap on one of the handles, as I was missing one, and paid the shipping back to me.

This is a great tool with great support from the company that makes it!"

Thanks,
Jeff Hawkins
Suwanee, GA
RV-8 #563

Ruler

 

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