Patent ID: 6851167

Claim:
A method of operating a tool for installing a deformable fastener into a panel, comprising the steps of: inserting a deformable fastener through a hole and into a panel; applying a compressive force to the deformable fastener to deform and secure the fastener to the panel; measuring the amount of applied force and the distance of fastener deformation as said force is being applied; plotting the amount of force versus the deformation distance to generate a force-deformation curve as the force is being applied; measuring periodically the slope of the force-deformation curve; determining when the slope of the force-deformation curve changes from positive to negative; periodically comparing the deformation distance to a deformation setpoint; obtaining a force value by recording the maximum measured force when the slope changes from positive to negative prior to said deformation setpoint; multiplying said force value by a factor to obtain a stop force; and halting the applied force when the stop force is reached.