The over-bitten pittsburgh seam (crushing the pocket)

Hand seamers are for setting spatial angles, not for crushing mechanical pockets. Adjust the internal set-screw stop on the handles of your seamers to physically block the jaws from closing past the single-ply metal thickness, allowing you to set the.

Stop if

• You crushed the Pittsburgh pocket shut with the tongs. Back the jaws off, pry the pocket open with a flat screwdriver, and set the tool's handle stop screw so you can't flatten the channel track.

Watch out

• Do not force the tool through the problem or substitute the wrong tool just to keep moving.

Check

• Check the raw edge, pocket, or overlap before locking the joint.
• Seat the tool fully and square before applying force.
• Use a full controlled stroke when the tool needs a mechanical lock.
• Test the fit before sending the piece overhead.
• Remake or re-edge the part if the lock will not hold.

Steps

• Check the raw edge, pocket, or overlap before locking the joint.
• Seat the tool fully and square before applying force.
• Use a full controlled stroke when the tool needs a mechanical lock.
• Test the fit before sending the piece overhead.
• Remake or re-edge the part if the lock will not hold.

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