Replace the S-cleat if it will not grip or seat the duct edge correctly. A damaged slip can make the joint loose even if the drive side looks finished.
Fix damaged connector metal before assembly. Bent, crushed, or burred edges usually get worse when forced.
My S-cleat is [bent open / crushed] and will not seat correctly. I think it needs to be replaced. Do we have the right S stock on site, or do I need to pull one from the shop?
Watch out
Do not force damaged connector metal and then hide it with sealant.
Check
Look at the S-cleat cross-section. It should form a tight S channel - both slots should be narrow enough to grip the duct edge with friction.
Bent open: the S is spread wide and will not grip. A slightly bent-open S can sometimes be corrected by squeezing the channel back with pliers along its length, then test-fitting. If the metal has been stretched or kinked, replace it.
Crushed: the S channel is collapsed and the duct edge cannot seat inside it. A crushed S cannot be reliably restored - replace it.
To replace: slide the damaged S off the duct edge, cut a new S to length from matching stock, and fit it before restarting the drive connection.
Test-fit the new S on the duct edge before assembling the joint - it should slide on with light resistance, not fall off loose or require forcing.
Steps
Look at the S-cleat cross-section. It should form a tight S channel - both slots should be narrow enough to grip the duct edge with friction.
Bent open: the S is spread wide and will not grip. A slightly bent-open S can sometimes be corrected by squeezing the channel back with pliers along its length, then test-fitting. If the metal has been stretched or kinked, replace it.
Crushed: the S channel is collapsed and the duct edge cannot seat inside it. A crushed S cannot be reliably restored - replace it.
To replace: slide the damaged S off the duct edge, cut a new S to length from matching stock, and fit it before restarting the drive connection.
Test-fit the new S on the duct edge before assembling the joint - it should slide on with light resistance, not fall off loose or require forcing.
Say this to your foreman
My S-cleat is [bent open / crushed] and will not seat correctly. I think it needs to be replaced. Do we have the right S stock on site, or do I need to pull one from the shop?