[HickamHatch]

What diameter cleco clamps do most of you guys use? I'm about to purchase some and haven't done sheetmetal work with them before. Also about how many do you like to use per setup? I know each piece has a different amount of clamps that you would use so I'm just looking for an average number.

 

[Jake]

1/8 is what I use the most of. I'd say if you get 50-100 you should be able to manage about anything at home. Here's a local company where I buy mine from. https://www.airpartsinc.com/shopexd.asp?id=729

 

[HickamHatch]

Thanks for the link! Those are 1/3 the cost than McMaster!!!

 

[Racefab33]

1/8" is the most common. If you just have one project, you may can get by with 100 or so. If you are going to be doing a lot sheet metal work as time goes on, I would just jump out there and get 300 or so. You can usually get them cheaper if you ask for a quantity discount. It really just depends if you need to hold something completely flat, exactly like it will be when its bolted or riveted on the car. I have more but I usually make a panel and cleco it in place in every hole to begin with. Then once I am sure I like it, I will just leave a few in and use the others on the next panel.

 

[overkillrc]

1/8" here as well......man i need to buy some more too....there is a guy here in colorado that sells them on ebay (or did anyway) pretty reasonable too.

 

[gilsbachracecraft]

http://www.cokid.com/

 

[neetchracer]

http://www.cokid.com/

Thats who I get mine from. He sells good quality drill bits at good prices also.

 

[CurleysRacecars]

1/8" here also. I get them from aircraftspruce.com. I think they are about $.43 each or something. I have probably around 100 now...anytime I place an order I throw in 10 or 15...you NEVER have enough.

 

[JCRVETTE]

1/8" here also. I get them from aircraftspruce.com. I think they are about $.43 each or something. I have probably around 100 now...anytime I place an order I throw in 10 or 15...you NEVER have enough.

Thats where I get mine from too. If you get 100pcs there is a 15% discount. Like everyone says, you can't have enough. I have several hundred each of 1/8 (fits 1/8 and 6 -32, and 3/16 (also fits 10 - 32. Next time I get something from aircraft spruce I need to get 5/32 (fits 8 - 32 also) I keep them all in a large tackle box that has a divider/ lift out tray. Also get some cleco sheet metal clamps. They grip from the side w/o a hole. kinda like a vise grip. 25 or so is a good start for them. At about 39c each, 100 -150 bucks will buy you plenty.

 

[JCRVETTE]

These are the side clamps I spoke of:

 

[CurleysRacecars]

Never used those Paul...seen them plenty of times, and can remember plenty of times when I cussed myself for not ordering them on the last ordered I placed. HAHA

 

[Gary Anderson]

You try Cleco stuff once, you will never figure out how you did

things before them!!!!

You NEVER have enough!!!!

I would be lost without them

Your Pal, Gary

 

[baron]

so basically these are temporary rivets?

 

[overkillrc]

so basically these are temporary rivets?

yes, even temporary bolts. looked a little bit a cokids website, didn't realize they made them in 1/4" he has some neat shit on there them stubby clecos are cool too. the 1/8" he sells for .39 each bad thing is i have to pay sales tax if i buy from him

 

[JCRVETTE]

yes, even temporary bolts. looked a little bit a cokids website, didn't realize they made them in 1/4" he has some neat shit on there them stubby clecos are cool too. the 1/8" he sells for .39 each bad thing is i have to pay sales tax if i buy from him

If you get 100 from air spruce, 43c minus 15% is 36cents. If I remember correctly, I bought like 300 one time and got a better deal than that.

Kyle, those side clamps are great. easier to apply than a small vise grip. But man will they pinch the crap out of you if you let em. Those things grip HD. LOL

 

[Marphis Race Cars]

1/8 here also . I also have the extra long grip ones for when I'm doing flush mounted lexan windows with the rubber spacer already glued down.

 

[Gary Anderson]

Good place for Clecos

www.aircraft-tool.com

www.browntool.com - 1/8" std. less than100 pcs 41 cents each ,more than 39 cents each

Both will send a free catalog, both FULL of good fab stuff.

Your Pal, Gary

 

[Gary Anderson]

Forget the Brown prices , outdated.

Your Pal, Gary

 

[mEr]

http://www.cokid.com/

Just ordered some from cokid on ebay... good prices.

 

[FRYDAY]

http://www.cokid.com/

Ordered some from them today 1/8" 1/4" and some 1/2" side clamps good price,alot cheaper then buying them in oz.:finga: