FTI Little Brute Puller Unit
Compact Cold Expansion Tool for Aerospace Applications
The FTI Little Brute Puller Unit is a compact, high-performance cold expansion tool designed for aerospace manufacturing, maintenance and structural repair applications. Air Tool Services supplies, services and repairs FTI tooling, providing expert support for customers using Split Sleeve Cold Expansion™ systems throughout the UK and worldwide.
Designed to pull a mandrel through a hole using pre-lubricated stainless steel split sleeves, the Little Brute helps improve hole quality, enhance fatigue life and increase the durability of critical aircraft structures. The system is also compatible with a range of FTI processes including ForceMate®, ForceTec® and GromEx®.
Key Features
- Designed for FTI Split Sleeve Cold Expansion™ (SsCx™) applications
- Compatible with ForceMate®, ForceTec® and GromEx® processes
- Compact, lightweight and easy to handle
- Maximum pull force of 8,000 lbf (35,585 N)
- Suitable for aluminium, steel and titanium applications
- Material stack capacity up to 3.5″ (88.9 mm)
- Fail-safe air control system for enhanced operator safety
- Proven reliability with minimal maintenance requirements
- Available in multiple configurations to suit different stack-ups and tooling requirements
Built for Aerospace Cold Expansion Applications
The Little Brute is designed for precision cold expansion of holes up to:
- 1/2″ (12.7 mm) diameter in aluminium and mild steel
- 3/8″ (9.53 mm) diameter in titanium and high-strength steel
- Material stack depths up to 3.5″ (88.9 mm)
Delivering up to 8,000 pounds of pull force at 10,000 psi, the Little Brute provides the performance required for demanding aerospace applications while remaining highly portable and easy to manoeuvre.
Available in a variety of model configurations, the Little Brute can accommodate different material stack thicknesses, hose lengths and mandrel adapter requirements, making it a versatile choice across a wide range of structural assembly and repair operations.
Safety and Reliability
The Little Brute features a fail-safe air control system that automatically interrupts the pull cycle and returns the puller to its original position if the trigger is released or air pressure is lost. This provides greater operator control and enhanced safety during use.
Designed for long-term performance in demanding aerospace environments, the Little Brute has established a reputation for reliability, durability and low maintenance requirements.
FTI Puller Comparison Guide
Choosing the correct FTI puller depends on hole size, material type, stack thickness and application requirements. Below is a general comparison of the most widely used FTI puller systems to help identify the right tooling for your cold expansion process.
| Model | Typical Applications | Maximum Pull Force | Hole Capacity | “Stack Capacity” | “Best For” |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Brute (LB) | Light-duty cold expansion | 8,000 lbf | Up to 1/2″ aluminium / mild steel | Up to 3.5″ | Smaller diameter holes and portable applications |
| Medium Brute (MB) | General aerospace cold expansion | 24,000 lbf | Up to 15/16″ aluminium / mild steel | Up to 7″ | Medium-duty structural work |
| Big Brute (BB) | Light-duty cold expansion | 38,000 lbf | Up to 2-1/2″ aluminium / mild steel | Up to 10″ | Large diameter holes and thick stack-ups |






