13
Base Force
2. With a can engaged in the chucks and the base lever held
up by hand (it should not stay up on its own at this point)
loosen the bottom nut, and tighten the top nut in sequence
until the base lever no longer has any "play". The lever
should stay up on its own at this point, but just barely.
3. Loosen the bottom nut 2 full turns (12 “flats” on the
nut), then rotate the upper nut approx. 1 3/4 rotations
clockwise to raise the adjuster to the correct position.
4. Finally, adjust the lower nut so that it creates a light
resistance when rotating the lever horizontally.
5. Load a can and confirm a solid clamp when locking the
base lever into place.
Seam a can, and confirm the hook lengths are sufficient. If
they are still low, adjust the nuts ¼ turn or so, and
re-check. If the cans are crushing, the force is too high.
The base force is critical to a good seam, and can have a
strong effect on the hook lengths, particularly the body
hook length. Generally, a short hook length, particularly
body hook, can be caused by insufficient base force. Note
that a broken or missing lower chuck spring can also cause
deficient lower lifter force..
1. To adjust the base force, first
loosen (counterclockwise rotate) the
"upper" Base Adjustment nut until
there is no clamping force when
raising the lever with a can loaded
onto the lower chuck (the handle
will no longer stay up on its own).
You will need to snug up the lower
nut before checking to make sure
there is no clamping force.
