Sheet metal crimper tool

Alright, how the heck does one make those neat crimps in the sheet metal for the curved L angles etc.? I inherited a simple metal crimper when I bought the kit from the original owner that looks like two L shaped pieces of thin metal rod welded back-to-back but danged if I can make those neat factory looking crimps. All I do is distort the metal when I practice. My web search for a "metal crimper" or "sheet metal crimping tool" only results in a tool for HVAC duct work. The photos of a crimp tool in the assembly manual don't help at all.  The factory tool looks like a pair of cleco pliers with maybe a die taped to it?  A search on this forum only comes up with discussions on electrical crimpers.

Any assistance is appreciated.

Jim

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ken Ryan on July 4, 2016 at 6:52pm
Permalink Reply by Normand Lambert on July 4, 2016 at 10:13pm

Hi Jim,

Sheet metal fluting pliers 22.32$ USD from http://www.e-progressivetools.com    almost the same as Aircraft Spruce 1/3 the price.

Fluting Pliers- Aircraft,Aviation Tools
$22.32
Item #201592216811

They work very well and came very fast thru the mail.

Regards

Norm                           

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Permalink Reply by Jim and Amelia Isaacs on July 5, 2016 at 5:05am

Thanks Ken and Normand!

Permalink Reply by Lawrence Bird on July 5, 2016 at 6:01am

I found the plastic tipped pliers to be okay as long as the material wasn't over 0.020" and then be careful or the plastic tips eat themselves... I eventually bought a couple of the all metal variants (one like Normand's) which seem like new after some years... 

vis:  http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/pliertype.php?clickke...

But maybe I'm too ham-fisted...

Permalink Reply by John Burns on July 5, 2016 at 7:54am

I made my own fluting pliers from a $3 pair of pliers from Harbor Freight using the method shown on the EAA hints for home builders video.   http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=1786933441001

Permalink Reply by Jim and Amelia Isaacs on July 5, 2016 at 6:21pm

Thanks Lawrence!

Dang John, that's some very nice workmanship in that photo.

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