Tooling up

[rlweseman]

Hi Mike -
Nice alternative! If you find a use for them you will have to let us know, I am curious...
Rachel

[MikeS.]

I haven’t found a need for Cleco Caps that sell 10 pieces for $2.95. Just in case there was a future need I decided to order something similar that is much cheaper. These black “pliable vinyl caps” from McMaster-Carr work just fine and you get 100 pieces for $4.03. You can quickly drill a hole in the end of the cap and it easily slips onto any of the various sized cleco’s that I have. McMaster-Carr part number is 9753K39.

Mike

[Tony Spicer]

Glen,

1/4 grip length will be fine. I suspect you meant 20 3/16, not 20 3/32. Remember that you can always use hardware store 10-32 machine screws and nuts in place of 3/16 clecos. A little slower, but way less expensive.

Tony

[GlenNJ]

Tony,
I have been looking for clecos and have a question about grip lengths. I am guessing that the 3/32" and 1/8" clecos are just holding 2 pieces of thin metal together. In this case I would think that 1/4" grip clecos should be fine. I think the recommended 20- 3/32" clecos are holding the spar pieces together. Should I buy clecos with a 1/2" long grip instead of 1/4"? Should the grip be longer than 1/2"?

Glen

[GlenNJ]

Mike and Tony,
That's the info I needed. I'm in contact with a former RV-6A builder that wants to sell some of his tools. Now I have an idea what I need and how much. I did pick up a C-frame pretty cheap.
Thanks,
Glen

[Tony Spicer]

Glen,

The Builders Manual, which you can't access, recommends 100 3/32 and 100 1/8. I would add to that 20 3/16. Also a dozen cleco clamps or small C clamps. As Mike suggested, shop around. Consider advertising for some used ones thru your local EAA chapter. RV-12 builders will have mostly 1/8 and the rest of the RV crowd 3/32. yardstore.com is another good online source. Best to just get the basic stuff to get started on the tail kit, then buy as the need arises. If you're going flush, start looking for an RV bud that will let you borrow his C-frame. Do not use his dimple dies.

Tony

[MikeS.]

You can go to the Panther Builders Cave, Documentation, Builders Manual, PBM 1.5.5 and scroll down for a basic list on pages 17 & 18.

Some items are cheaper from Avery Tools and others from Aircraft Tool Supply, and there are other sources. Right now ATS has a 30% winter sale on select items, including cleco’s. Sale ends Feb 3rd.

Avery is cheaper for: Dimple die – 120 degree (If ATS carry’s this item I didn’t see it), #40 & #30 Cobalt drill bits, and drill stops. Not on the list but might be handy later in the build is a Drill Housing and Bushing Kit (cheaper at Avery). Shipping charges were only $3.

ATS is cheaper for: Cleco’s, Cleco Clamps, Deburring Tools, Countersink Tool and Pilot Cutters (make sure you get the 120 degree PC’s).

I would recommend that you open two web browsers and jump back and forth between Avery and ATS (or your favorite supply companies) to compare prices.

[GlenNJ]

I'm starting to gather tools for my Panther build. On my list are clecos. What size clecos, and how many of each size should I get. This goes for dimplers and drill bits to (I plan to flush rivet the skins).
Glen