Topic: The tool for gauge crimp rings?

[zabzob]

I'm working on my gauges right now, considering the crimp rings. I managed to get them off in pretty good shape using the filed-down paint can opener tool. Tedious but effective. For putting the crimp rings back, I've seen the usual technique is pliers with some electrical tape on them. I thought, surely jewelry makers must have something for a task like this? They don't like marking up metal. They do have something, and they're called nylon jaw pliers:

https://www.amazon.ca/SPEEDWOX-Pliers-Bending-Straightentener-Jewelry/dp/B08BRVQFFJ/?th=1

I'm not sure if I'll be able to get enough force without having the nylon give though. I'll try it out at the crimp ring phase and report back.

[Don R]

 I was looking at plumbers lead joint curved caulking irons. https://mephistotools.com/caulking-irons.htm
 I made a little bench from oak that the gauge goes into face down.

[seanbarney41]

A decent machinist should be able to make a crimping die for an arbor press

[kerryb]

That's a great idea!  I'm going to talk to my machinist friend.  Tapping the ring down on a pvc stand damaged the gauge...what a waste!