Awning Rail Tool

[Gagakev]

Is there a proper tool availible to close up the awning rail, I have the one that will spread it to the right size but would like to make mine a bit tighter.
Tried on my last van with various tools, pliers, wide bladed mole grips etc but it doesnt leave a very good finish and looks terrible.
Any idea's????

 

[markstan56]

Don't know of a special tool, but I use an old pair of mole grips with steel plates welded to the jaws (100x40x3) these are covered with thin rubber to protect the rail. I use a peice of draft skirt inside the rail the gently close the rail back to the required size. You need to close the rail a little at a time, over an area or around a metre or so, then keep going back to close it a little more untill the whole area is at the right size. With a little patience you can get a very good result, and a good eye for the correct gap. I also have a pair of grips with a smaller plate for the rail bends. It is the bends that are tricky but be patient and close it a little at a time along the length. On the tight bends I have some strips of hard 10mm thick rubber that I place either side of the rail, bent to shape, then use a large pair of waterpump pliers to ease the rail back to size.

 

[Gagakev]

Thanks for the tips Mark, will see if I can modify a few thilngs, also the rubber is a good idea, Cheers, have a drink on me