Cleco clamps

[BobCarter]

I have noticed in a number of member build photos the use of positioning devices on aluminum panels. After a bit of research I think I have identified what these are. Am I right that these are Clemco clamps?
If so what size and quantity should I purchase (or do they come with the FFR roadster kit I have purchased)? Where do you recommend I buy these?

[billjr212]

Lots of mini-discussions on the necessity of clekos around but this one goes on the longest, I think.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?15729-Clekos&highlight=cleco

I am finishing up my 2nd build (did a roadster and now an 818) and haven't used them. Occasionally I think it would have been nice but usually just use a few of the sheet metal screws when needed.

Ultimately, it depends on your style/pace/preference as to whether or not you want them. Those that use them can't imagine a world without them, and those that skip them seem to manage just fine anyway.

[michael everson]

They are called Clecos. You can buy them pretty much anywhere. 25 would be a good start but 100 would be better. No really, you can never have enough if you ask me.

I sell them on my web site at www.replicaparts.com Might be a good thing to buy if you are ordering other stuff from me anyways.
mike

[edwardb]

Right. Called Clecos. The main size you need is 1/8 inch. Basically they do the same thing as a 1/8 inch rivet, just temporarily. Since much of the build work is placing, drilling, and riveting aluminum panels, they are a nice assist. They came out of the aviation industry where this kind of fabrication is quite common. They last a long time if you can keep the glue/silicone glue out of them. I have probably about 100 of the 1/8 inch size (and not afraid to admit it...:p) and sometimes have most them in use since I like to do large sections at a time. A few of the 3/16 inch size are nice too, but not nearly so common. Mike sells them, as mentioned. They're pretty widely available. You need the actual Clecos plus the special pliers for taking them on and off.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2004042013/IMG_2039_zpsb2610692.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2004042013/IMG_2039_zpsb2610692.jpg.html)

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Have about 50 1/8" & a handful of 3/16". They are very useful lot quicker to use than sheet metal screws especially when the panel has silicone sealer on it. Clecos are pretty inexpensive. Got mine with the tool from Summit. You can get 40 1/8" pins & the pliers for about $30

[BobCarter]

Thanks to all for your responses. Very helpful.

[NukeMMC]

PM me your address and you can have mine for the cost of shipping. I think I have 20 or so with pliers.

[carlewms]

I would recommend against using the sheet metal screws unless you happen to be putting them in exactly the same holes that FFR used ... why?

The hole left by the screw is larger than the hole that to be optimally used with a 1/8 in rivet. The rivet will be loose when compressed in a hole too large and therefore be loose fitting.

Just my two cents ...

Carl

[CHOTIS BILL]

That is one reason I use Multi-grip rivets from Mcmaster-carr http://www.mcmaster.com/#multi-grip-blind-rivets/=xrmc5o They expand to fill the hole as well as holding the panels in place.

Bill Lomenick

[Ray]

I did our build with about a dozen clecos. Could I have used more? Of course, but I used what I had.

Ray

[edwardb]

What is it about these Cleco threads that they always turns into a contest about how few Clecos one used? Happens every time. Cracks me up! Like the old game of "Name That Tune." Ok, that dated me...

They're cheap, easy to use, and no man points lost for using as few or as many as you want. At least that I was aware of. ;)

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Agree. I liked to use one in every third hole. Skimping on something dirt cheap does not make a lot of sense to me.

[billjr212]

What is it about these Cleco threads that they always turns into a contest about how few Clecos one used?

I don't get why this comment gets made (referencing one extreme or the other) every time this thread gets started. Every comment before was simply a statement of "I used xxxx number."

Oddly enough, it's irked me just enough this time to explain my process since the cleco camp likes to call the non-cleco camp crazy (say that 3 times fast) or cheap.

I will generally use 1 sheet metal screw in the first hole to place the panel. Then use bar clamps to steady the panel, drill a couple holes, slip a few rivets in to keep the proper spacing, maybe slide the bar clamp along to the next section, and so on. Then, once all the holes are drilled, I just pull out all the rivets, slip off the clamps, and take out 1 sheet metal screw. Clean off the panel and frame (or 2nd panel) of any shavings, paint the panel if necessary, apply the silicone, slip several rivets in and pop pop pop. Yes, the hole from the sheet metal screw is not the ideal size, but once the silicone is on and dried, the rivet isn't going anywhere and neither is the panel.

That was fun! Cheers.

(please read the above in a positive/informative/Bob Vila-esque tone, definitely not chippy. I love the cleco-peoples, just solidly in the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mindset)

[edwardb]

I don't get why this comment gets made (referencing one extreme or the other) every time this thread gets started. Every comment before was simply a statement of "I used xxxx number."

Oddly enough, it's irked me just enough this time to explain my process since the cleco camp likes to call the non-cleco camp crazy (say that 3 times fast) or cheap.

I was trying to be funny. Hence the smiley. Guess I didn't do a very good job. :( I just find it kind of a funny (in a humorous way!) how this always ends up going the same direction. It honestly doesn't matter to me one way or the other. We all do what works best for us.

[billjr212]

Dang it, that's what I get for reading at work, didn't get to see the smiley. Oh well, question has already been answered so I think we are talking to ourselves anyway.

Cheers again. Back to the garage.

[carlewms]

R
That is one reason I use Multi-grip rivets from Mcmaster-carr http://www.mcmaster.com/#multi-grip-blind-rivets/=xrmc5o They expand to fill the hole as well as holding the panels in place.

Bill Lomenick

Bill,

Thanks for this info. Even though I am pretty close to finishing I will probably order some for the remainder.
Carl

[BobCarter]

Thanks to all for your responses.
From the questions I ask you can easily tell I'm a newby. I continue to learn a lot from a great bunch of guys and enjoy the parlance.
More dumb questions to come!