In a perfect world, our trusses smoothly flow from the assembly table to the finish roller without any problems. Each connector, on both sides of the assembly, is adequately pressed and a completed truss is the result. Unfortunately, we don’t live in this perfect environment. Stuff happens. On occasion, after the finish roller stage, we have missing plates. Sometimes we have to remove a plate and replate. In both of these situations, dragging the truss back through the finish roller might be the most reasonable option. Sometimes it’s not. Particularly when you are running multiple set-ups through the same finish roller, or the truss is way out in the yard, or in some circumstances it’s already at the jobsite – then you will have to fix the truss where it is.
One of the most practical methods is to use a portable hydraulic press. This allows you to fix the truss where it is now, be it in your yard or at a jobsite. For example, the Eagle FRP15TM portable hydraulic press shown here is designed for field repairs. A portable press is efficient and convenient while offering some precision to your repair skills.
If you don’t have access to a device designed specifically for field repairs, however, then you may be tempted to just use a hammer. The problem with the hammer method is that the ability to install a connector and not fold over the teeth is slim to none. Yes, there are those individuals who claim the ability to hammer perfectly, but I have never seen it done.
Another recommended method could be using a colliding device fabricated to deliver consistent level blows. The photo illustrates such a device. It’s a little more old school than a portable press, and perhaps a little more labor intensive, but it too provides some necessary precision for your repair efforts.
Whatever method you employ though, the most important rule is – make sure the teeth are not folded or damaged. Folded or damaged teeth do not contribute to the tooth count and don’t provide any load transfer.
In every situation, be careful that you perform a proper repair. The objective is to solve a problem, not create another one.