# Static equilibrium, machines; handheld press

1. Jul 20, 2015

### J-dizzal

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
The handheld press is useful for such tasks as squeezing rivets or punching holes. What force P is applied to the sheet metal at E for the 64-N forces applied to the handles?

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

Not sure how to get this one started, i initially took the moment of the top piece but that didnt solve for anything.

2. Jul 21, 2015

### paisiello2

I think you made a very good start with the first free body diagram. I think the key is to realize that the cylinder DE (shown as hidden lines) is free to move vertically independently.

3. Jul 21, 2015

### haruspex

Think about mechanical advantage and movement ratios.
If the lever is moved down a small distance dx, by how much does the angle change?
If the angle changes by a small amount $d\theta$, how far does D move down?
(Draw yourself a larger diagram of the C/D region).

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