Patent ID: 8615859

Claim:
A double-action clinching tool, comprising: a support having an aperture formed therein and a surface configured to receive a first layer overlapping a second layer, wherein the surface is axially oriented with respect to the second layer; a clinching punch slidably positioned in the support aperture and configured to engage the second layer; a punch positioned opposite to the clinching punch and configured to form an aperture in the first layer prior to the clinching punch engaging the second layer; and a retractable clinching die having an interior wall, wherein the interior wall of the retractable clinching die has a first position substantially perpendicular to the surface of the support and a second position angularly offset from the first position when contacted by a portion of the second layer extending through the aperture of the first layer, and wherein an area of the interior wall remains in contact with the punch that is positioned opposite to the clinching punch.