Refractory brick ring tightening device

An apparatus for tightening a ring of refractory brick in order to accommodate the installation of a key brick into a key brick space of such a refractory brick ring to tightly close and complete the ring, the key brick space being bordered on either side by first and second opposing bricks, each including an outer exposed face, comprising:

• (a) an expansion frame comprising
• (i) a first extension bar having a working end and a connecting end and including an extended member connected transversely to the first extension bar proximate the working end of the first extension bar, the extended member of the first extension bar being selectively attachable to such a first brick at a point on the first brick remote to the key brick space on the outer exposed face of such a first brick;
• and
• (ii) a second extension bar having a working end and a connecting end, the connecting end of the second extension bar being pivotally interconnected with the connecting end of the first extension bar, the second extension bar further including an extended member connected transversely to the second extension bar proximate the working end of the second extension bar, the extended member of the second extension bar being selectively attachable to such a second brick at a point on the second brick remote to the key brick space on the outer exposed face of such a second brick;
• and
• (b) power means associated with said expansion frame for providing outwardly opposing force on the working end of the first extension bar and the working end of the second extension bar whereby, in use, circumferential compressive force is exerted on the refractory brick ring remotely from the key brick space to tighten the ring.