Probe installer - emcee5601/fit-testing-resources GitHub Wiki

Probe Installer Options

Ceiling grid punch pliers ($10)

These seem to punch standard sized holes around 3.25mm in diameter, intended for 1/8" (3.175mm) rivets. Make sure the punch pin length is longer than the probe height. 13 mm is probably long enough. Since the inner diameter of the probes are around 3mm, these pins will need to be ground down to 3mm diameter.
Ceiling Grid Punch Pliers. Best if the sharp punching bit is at least 13mm in length so it can fit completely through the longest probes. The one in this example is 15mm. example

This pin needs to be ground down to 3mm diameter. It's a replaceable part and can be removed.

Pros:

  • No alignment problems
  • 1 piece
  • Easy to control applied force
  • cuts a clean hole in the filter material

Cons:

  • Requires modification
  • Doesn't work well with rigid masks
  • Heavy
  • Punch pin is sharp

Examples:

Center punch + Drill block ($20)

Use a 1/8" center punch to drive the probe through the mask into a drill block. 1/8" (3.175mm) is larger than the tapered end of the probe, but the force of the punch will deform the tapered end and overcome it. Make sure the moving part of the punch has a platform that will hit the flange since that will be what pushes the probe through the filter material. The drill block is necessary to hold the push nut in place and receive the probe/punch pin.

Pros:

  • Doesn't require much operating force / strength.
  • Applied force is cumulative when using a spring-loaded punch: the probe can be punched multiple times to drive it further into the filter material / push nut.
  • Low weight
  • No modifications needed
  • Center punch is not as sharp as the other options

Cons:

  • Requires alignment of the punch and drill block
  • 2 pieces, both are required to function.
  • With spring-loaded punch, it's possible to apply too much force and cut the filter material along the edge of the probe's flange end
  • The punch is wedged into the probe after installation and needs to be removed with force.

Examples:

Awl + receptacle

Use an awl to drive the probe through the filter material and into a receptacle which holds the push nut. The base of the awl's shank should be no more more than 1/8" (3.175mm) in diameter so it can fit through the probe. The handle should be pushing against the flange to drive the probe through the push nut.

Pros:

  • Should work with any mask
  • Low weight

Cons:

  • Requires alignment of the awl and receptacle
  • Awl is pretty stabby
  • May need custom receptacle
  • Applying force is awkward: either requires 2 hands or bodyweight

Examples:

  • TODO

Demo:

Commercial probe installers ($70 - $329)

Several of these are available.

Pros:

  • Purpose made
  • Works with all masks

Cons:

  • expensive

Examples: