Abstract: A combined hole size gauge and oversized hole marker having either first and second sensing members (42, 44) or a single dimensionally graduated size sensing member (14) which when inserted into a hole (40) in a workpiece (38) allows the user to determine whether the hole is of at least minimum size and if it is of greater than maximum size. If the hole is oversized, a marker adjacent the oversized hole size sensing member (44) or the greater portion of the single dimensionally graduated size sensing member (18) is permitted to contact the workpiece (38) and leave an indication that the corresponding hole is oversized.

Abstract: A pair of back-up members (32, 42) are inserted between adjacent projection (4) of a workpiece (2). Openings (36, 46) through the members (32, 42) are aligned with holes (6) through the projections (4). A wedge (54) is driven between the members (32, 42) and forces them against outer surface portions (5) of the projections (4) surrounding the holes (6) and radial end surfaces (9) of bushings (7) positioned in the holes (6). A mandrel (62) is pulled through the bushings (7) and the openings (36, 46) to install the bushings (7). Another embodiment of back-up members (132, 142) has a plurality of openings (136, 146) for use with a workpiece (102) having a plurality of rows of axially aligned holes (106). This embodiment is preferably used with a locator (70) which has two rods (74) for holding the holes (106) and openings (136, 146) in accurate alignment.

Abstract: The method of fastening a plurality of metal members (82, 84; 232, 230) in which precision holes (86, 88; 236, 234) are drilled through the metals which are to be connected together. The drilled holes in the metal members are cold-expanded to improve the fatigue performance of the metal surrounding the hole and at the same time size the hole. Then a fastener (254) sized to make a desired fit is installed into the hole. The final hole diameters (236A, 234A) after expansion are equal to the starting hole diameters plus the retained expansions, there being spring back shrinkage of the expanded holes to the final hole diameter. The holes are sized by expanding them to at least a critical sizing expansion value which is a value of expansion beyond which the retained expansion value is linearly exceeded and to nearly the same amount as the total expansion before elongation of the hole axis of the metal surrounding the hole.

Abstract: A pull gun (10) is used for pulling a mandrel (12, 150, 180) through an expandable sleeve (74, 144, 180) positioned in a fastener hole. The mandrel expands the sleeve as it moves therethrough causing the sleeve to put the metal which surrounds the hole in a state of compression. The pull gun has alternative extensions or sleeve retainers having general appearances of collet chucks and they are adapted to be positioned adjacent holes being prestressed. The retainers are of relatively small diameter for operation through a drill fixture and in small spaces on a workpiece.

Abstract: A pull gun (10) is used for pulling a mandrel (12) through an expandable sleeve (124) positioned in a fastener hole (130, 132) having a countersink (140). The mandrel expands the sleeve (124) as it moves therethrough, causing the sleeve to put the metal which surrounds the hole (132, 130) and the countersink in a state of compression. The pull gun has an axially split, expandable countersink prestressing device (16) having a generally central passageway (38) through which the mandrel (12) travels axially as it is being retracted into the pull gun. The prestressing device (16) has conical end surfaces (46) to prestress the countersink as the mandrel is pulled through the hole. The device (16) has an axially split sleeve retainer (76) extending therein so as to retain the sleeve within the fastener hole when the mandrel is being retracted. The sleeve retainer (76) is in contact with the sleeve externally of the gun and has its inner end secured in the gun.

Abstract: A pull gun (30) is used for pulling a mandrel (32) through an expandable sleeve (126) positioned in a fastener hole (134, 136). The mandrel (32) expands the sleeve (126) as it moves through the sleeve (126), causing the sleeve (126) to prestress the metal which surrounds the hole (134, 136). The pull gun end of the hole is countersunk (138). The pull gun (30) includes an axially split ring (74) having a conical insert (90) which snugly fits within the countersink (138). The sleeve (126) extends through a center opening (80) in the expandable ring (126). Mandrel movement through the portion of the sleeve (126) within said central opening (80) forces the segments (76) of the ring (74) radially outwardly, causing the portions (90) of such ring (74) which are in the countersink (138) to expand and compress the metal which immediately surrounds the countersink (138). A solid film lubricant (127) is provided on the inner surface of the expandable sleeve (126).