Testing the SAPE pneumatic door skin tool

Benchtest

Over the years there have been various methods of folding the door skin to the door frame. I have used the following methods.
1. Hammer and dolly.
2. Pneumatic folding attachment, one unit was attached to a pneumatic chisel.
3. Manual edge folding wedge.
All of these methods have merit. Older panel beaters who have tried them and usually return to the hammer and dolly method. Certainly a good panel beater can use the hammer and dolly method and achieve excellent results without using any plastic filler on the door. This should be the type of finish required which is called a file finish.
Replacing a door skin is labour intensive and the time allowed to do this job is minimal.
I tested the new pneumatic door skin tool that was supplied by S.A.P.E. This new tool is quite a step up from the old pneumatic tools and after using the tool on various door skins I was impressed how easy it was to use.
Firstly the tool folds the skin edge over at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. Then the tool is adjusted for the final clinch down of the skin. The top hammering tool is steel and the bottom dolly is made from hard rubber which means even if you move at a slight angle there will not be any skin damage. Another advantage of this tool is you get a consistent crimping effect with no hammer marks on the inside or outside of the door skin. It is advisable to use a dry spray lubricant on the door to assist movement of the tool. A smear of light oil could also be used.
When using this type of tool you would have to have the door laying on a flat bench, and the door would need to push up against a timber block that would be clamped to the bench. This would stop the door moving when the pneumatic tool is being used. There are other methods that could be developed to hold the door from moving too, and the distributor may have a different idea again. Anyhow the set up time is minimal and there are three advantages when using this tool. First, it saves time. Second, there is no damage to the door skin. Third, it produces a high quality job with no hammer marks. When replacing a door skin on a rear door which has a steep curve at the dog leg section you may have to use a hammer and dolly on this small section of curve as the tool may not fit exactly to this area. Also when using this tool it would be necessary to use hearing protection.
I would recommend that you give this tool a try but as with all pneumatic tools there is operator skill required it will take about 10 minutes to get used to using the tool. After the skin is fitted, trial fit the door to vehicle before any welding of skin is done.
But remember: it is the use to which a new tool is put, and not to the tool itself, that determines its value to the industry.

Product Details: SAPE pneumatic door skin tool

Distributed by SAPE in NSW & Vic ? call (02)9568 2233 or QLD (07)3254 0566.

General enquiries: 1800 063 900.

Key features: advanced technology, easy to use, specific for the job, high quality finish.