Cleco's

[stroked 6t5]

Hi all,

I was on my way out today to buy some Clecos. It occured to me that prior to a purchase I should get some advise from you knowledgable folks as to how many and what sizes I would need. So with that being said what is the concensus out there? Many thanx.

Regards,
Andy

[Ray]

I bought and used about 20 of the 1/8th inch ones but could have used about 5 to 10 more. You don't needs hundreds, just a couple of dozen will do.

Ray

[OttawaFFRer]

I bought 60 1/8 and 20 3/16. But I'm an absolute rookie.

They ran 39 cents each so I figured I'd get plenty so I wouldn't need more and have to pay for shipping twice.

I'm at step 2 of the build manual so I have yet to use a single one of them, but sooner or later I know they will come in handy.

[jlfernan]

Go on Ebay, always good deals on used ones, you don't need new. Get 1/8 & 3/16.

[first time builder]

50 of the 1/8, really dont need the 3/16 and don't forget the tool ! If you buy 25 you will be OK but if you get anxious to keep going with a drill 50 is a good amount.

Kenny

[Mustang Man]

I got 25 1/8-inch and the tool from an aviation show here locally. I ended up buying about 10 more. So between 25 and 50 is a good number depending upon how you work. I was using them in corners and such to hold a panel. I've seen guys put them in every single rivet hole and I don't think that's necessary. Never bought nor used the 3/16-inch size...

HTH...
Mark

[3kcarbon]

1/8 are a must on a FFR build. In the aviation world they are often stepped up just like drill bits to keep holes in alignment. #40 drill gets a silver Cleco and then can be stepped to a # 30 and a copper Cleco. They aren't really silver or copper just plated that way for ease of use. Nothing wrong with having a few of every size. when you find out how handy they are you will use them. They sure came in handy installing my FFMetal battery box, 1/4 ones used there. Get some Cleco clamps too they rock when you need to clamp without a hole and no need to tighten a c clamp.

[rich grsc]

I have about 30 1/8, that allows me to hold several panels at a time. I space them far apart, sometimes only 4 or 5 in each panel. The 3/16 are nice when running fuel lines, or electric bundles, you can use them in the clamps.

[riptide motorsport]

Not one. I used #8 techies. the 1/4 head self tapping screws, they drill and hold the panel at the same time,proper size hole for the rivit, not one snapped drill bit ( you'll go throught dozens) or one cleco. by the way the self tappers take about 5 seconds to tap and seat, the drill bit will take forever......try it and you'll sell your cleco hast post!...........HTH Steven

[3kcarbon]

One thing to remimber its best to test fit and remove the panels before silicone and final install the amount of drill debris that builds up behind the panels is shocking.

[Fifty-Two]

For me, more has definitely been better. I'm trying to hold off on doing as much of final aluminum mounting until after it is in the "go-cart" stage; that way, its much easier to get access to areas of the car to install/fix the drivetrain, electrics, plumbing, etc. Having lots of clecos around also lets me mock up every panel in a particular section to make sure the fit is perfect.

Here's what I ended up with:

- A bag of 25 used 1/8" standard Clecos I found online. The used ones work well, but they usually have springs that aren't as strong as new ones so they won't pull as tight - still completely usable though.
- 50 new 1/8" standard Clecos from here: http://www.cokid.com/standard.htm
- 5 new 1/8" Wingnut Clecos (these are a draw clamp design and are awesome for pulling panels tight) from here: http://www.cokid.com/wingnut.htm
- 10 new 3/16" standard Clecos from here: http://www.cokid.com/standard.htm
- A couple new 3/16" Wingnut Clecos from here: http://www.cokid.com/wingnut.htm
- A couple new Side-Grip Clecos from here: http://www.cokid.com/accessories.htm
- Cleco pliers from here: http://www.cokid.com/accessories.htm ; or here for a dollar cheaper: http://www.harborfreight.com/cleco-pliers-97346.html

Hope that helps! :D
- John

[3kcarbon]

Seems somebody posted not to install panels until you have to. That is good advice. Clecos make your build go much smoother by making that easy to do. Up, down, on, off, trim, fit, fuss, its all part of it.

[Steak]

I ended up with about 50 1/8" and a few 3/16" for fuel line clamps. You don't need 50 but it makes the build easier not having to take one out if you need another. I'm sure some of my fifty were never used, but I've also got more expensive items that will never be used.

[Gloveman]

Everyone is different, I need more than 50.

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp53983%3Enu%3D65%3A%3B%3E%3A55%3E257% 3EWSNRCG%3D33%3A2%3C89%3B57348nu0mrj

[DARKPT]

This guy uses lots of Cleco's, too. :-P

http://therealmtoys.com/wordpressorg/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Hellraiser-pinhead-786014.jpg

[efnfast]

Everyone is different, I need more than 50.

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp53983%3Enu%3D65%3A%3B%3E%3A55%3E257% 3EWSNRCG%3D33%3A2%3C89%3B57348nu0mrj

Okay, I'll bite =) -> why would you use so many? Kinda overkill?

[Mikey_P]

I love the picture by Gloveman! Mine probably looked like that at one point. I would use a couple to hold the panel in place, then drill all the holes. After I was done I would put a cleco in every hole to check holes and fitment. I did not rivet my panels until I absolutely had to. Made my life easier getting around the frame. I see others rivet as soon as possible. Each to their own.

[CapeCoralCobra]

I also bought 50 1/8", used most, but maybe not all. Like stated above, could do several panels with good fitment check without having to steal from previous panels. Didn't buy/use 3/16.