edwardb
07-30-2023, 07:55 AM
“How many Clecos does it take?” is an often-asked question on this forum. The answers are all over the place. Sometimes seems to turn into a contest. Like there’s some reward for how few you use. Or even none at all. For my builds, I had a total of about 100 in the two common sizes. On the high side for many I guess. But I appreciate how they work and allow you to mockup multiple panels at a time. I had never used Clecos before starting my Factory Five builds. Many know they actually came out of the airplane building industry.
When I wrapped up my last build I mentioned that I was going to build a full-size airplane. Fulfilling a lifetime dream that I talked about here https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?45961-My-Journey-to-the-Next-Project-Sling-TSi-Build&p=524707&viewfull=1#post524707. I’ve been documenting the build on EAA’s website here https://eaabuilderslog.org?s=PaulTSi. So not posting much about it on this forum. But the last couple of days there was another “How many Clecos does it take?” thread and I had just finished putting Clecos in the LH wing top skin. So snapped this picture. Yeah, it’s a lot and what’s required. Basically a Cleco in every other hole (three different sizes here), pull rivets in the unused holes, then remove and replace the Clecos with rivets.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/ab234/edwardb123/LH_Top_Skin_Cleco_3.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/ab234/edwardb123/LH_Top_Skin_Cleco_3.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
Another frequent discussion on this forum is pulling rivets by hand or using a powered puller. For the volume and larger sizes used for this build power is mandatory. I’ve been using the same battery powered Milwaukee M12 Rivet Tool that I used for car builds. Still works great. Another option that a lot of builders use is an air-powered rivet puller that sucks in the mandrels as you go. Pro style models are expensive ($700 - $800 and up) but I ran across a cheap knock-off that had decent reviews. I’ve been using it for the smaller sized rivets used in skins, etc. and it’s pretty cool. Shot this video last night just for grins. https://youtu.be/liGpk5NY5us.
For the record, I suspect some with knowledge about such things will question using pulled rivets for a full-size airplane. You would not, for example, find a certified airplane completely built with pulled rivets like this one. Only experimental. Three comments FWIW: Sling isn't the only one doing this. Even Vans (the largest kit plane mfg) has one model and is introducing another with pulled rivets; the design, spacing, materials, and testing is based on this style rivet; and these aren't your average hardware store pop rivets. Rivets (four sizes and several head types) are multi-grip rivets from Gesipa. Very high quality from my experience. I've shot probably a couple thousand of them by now with only one that didn't set exactly right. Mandrel broke too soon and easily replaced.
I’m about 75-80% complete with the kit components I’ve received. My big job ahead is the fuel tanks. Fuselage kit is ordered and due at the end of the year. A really fun project.
When I wrapped up my last build I mentioned that I was going to build a full-size airplane. Fulfilling a lifetime dream that I talked about here https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?45961-My-Journey-to-the-Next-Project-Sling-TSi-Build&p=524707&viewfull=1#post524707. I’ve been documenting the build on EAA’s website here https://eaabuilderslog.org?s=PaulTSi. So not posting much about it on this forum. But the last couple of days there was another “How many Clecos does it take?” thread and I had just finished putting Clecos in the LH wing top skin. So snapped this picture. Yeah, it’s a lot and what’s required. Basically a Cleco in every other hole (three different sizes here), pull rivets in the unused holes, then remove and replace the Clecos with rivets.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/ab234/edwardb123/LH_Top_Skin_Cleco_3.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/ab234/edwardb123/LH_Top_Skin_Cleco_3.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
Another frequent discussion on this forum is pulling rivets by hand or using a powered puller. For the volume and larger sizes used for this build power is mandatory. I’ve been using the same battery powered Milwaukee M12 Rivet Tool that I used for car builds. Still works great. Another option that a lot of builders use is an air-powered rivet puller that sucks in the mandrels as you go. Pro style models are expensive ($700 - $800 and up) but I ran across a cheap knock-off that had decent reviews. I’ve been using it for the smaller sized rivets used in skins, etc. and it’s pretty cool. Shot this video last night just for grins. https://youtu.be/liGpk5NY5us.
For the record, I suspect some with knowledge about such things will question using pulled rivets for a full-size airplane. You would not, for example, find a certified airplane completely built with pulled rivets like this one. Only experimental. Three comments FWIW: Sling isn't the only one doing this. Even Vans (the largest kit plane mfg) has one model and is introducing another with pulled rivets; the design, spacing, materials, and testing is based on this style rivet; and these aren't your average hardware store pop rivets. Rivets (four sizes and several head types) are multi-grip rivets from Gesipa. Very high quality from my experience. I've shot probably a couple thousand of them by now with only one that didn't set exactly right. Mandrel broke too soon and easily replaced.
I’m about 75-80% complete with the kit components I’ve received. My big job ahead is the fuel tanks. Fuselage kit is ordered and due at the end of the year. A really fun project.