So, is the $35 Door Handle Ferrule Tool really necessary for the installation of 1929-1946 Chevrolet ferrules? Seems like a tool I will never use again. Any alternatives?
An alternative I'd like to try but haven't had the opportunity to is to take a bolt with the same thread as a wheel stud. Stick it through the ferrule from the panel side. Screw a lug nut onto the bolt with the taper of the nut toward the ferrule. Screw the nut onto the bolt, using the taper of the nut to "set" the ferrule similar to setting a rivet. The tool you mention is pretty mickey mouse and does a half-assed job of setting the ferrule. I used that tool on my '38 with so-so results. I've read that you can improve the result a tad by putting a wide "O" ring over the inside of the ferrule before using the tool. If you use the bolt/lug nut method I'd appreciate a report on how well it works.
