How to select the right size Cleco.

[ADSR]

Hey guys. Is there a formula for picking out what size to use with what gauge of sheet metal?

KMS has them going on sale for .65 a piece and i have a truck resto coming up. Planing on buying 30 to 40 of them.

The sizes they offer...

1/8
3/16
3/32
5/32

Bottom of page. They're made in the USA too!

http://www.kmstools.com/eflyer/?flyer=1302#page32

 

[CWP1616L]

Doesn't the size depend on which size rivet you're using?

 

[ADSR]

Doesn't the size depend on which size rivet you're using?

Not sure, i'll be welding all of it up. Just need it for fitment.

 

[ctdutro]

Major sizes that they come in corresopond to the hole size, after that there are several different grip lengths for thick metal stackups, if you are only using for fitment and will have to fill in the drilled holes later then it may be smart to get the smallest available. Also 1/8" rivets are the most common so you will have some later when needed. Here is a link, you may find their prices cheaper. looks like 1/8" are $.45

http://www.browntool.com/Default.as...1&Level=a&SortField=ProductName,ProductNumber

 

[matthew]

For welded panels I'd probably use the smallest hole you can reasonably drill in the panel, so it's easier to fill. If you break too many 3/32" drill bits, use 1/8". Handy to have 3/16" and 5/32" as well, though, since they're both common rivet sizes.

 

[CWP1616L]

When I used to use Clecos, I'd be using a No. 30 drill bit with a No. 30 rivet along with a No. 30 Cleco.

 

[up_in_the_air]

Drill the hole nominal 1/8 use your clecos then when you go to rivet, clearance drill with a #30

 

[Justanoldguy]

I've never used a rivet in any cleco hole I've made.
Always welded it back up.

 

[CWP1616L]

I've never used a rivet in any cleco hole I've made.
Always welded it back up.

Those little things that fly in the air use lots of rivets.

 

[iajonesy]

When I used to use Clecos, I'd be using a No. 30 drill bit with a No. 30 rivet along with a No. 30 Cleco.

That would be a 1/8th cleco. If you are trying to hold up a heavy panel I'd use a 3/16" and if you are trying to hold floor pans in place use 3/32 or 1/8". Those sizes will work fine for flat panels on the horizontal areas. They are great as an extra set of hands. I still have dozens left over from aircraft work and they are handy as heck.

Mike

 

[Justanoldguy]

Those little things that fly in the air use lots of rivets.

True ..
But the OP is doing a truck resto ..

 

[ADSR]

Awesome! Thanks guys. Looks like i'll be buying a combo of 1/8 and 3/16

 

[Gary Anderson]

www.yardstore.com

3/32", 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 0-1/4 grip, 42 CENTS each.

Buy them in larger lots, you will be glad you do, at least 50 per purchase.
I use them ALL the time, you can NEVER have enough!!!
I have all the sizes, mostly 1/8".
You can use a small size to hold your stuff and drill them out as you go.
And get a cleco pliers, won't work without it



Your Pal, Gary

 

[Provincial]

Also look for "draw cleco" for another option. They use a wing nut instead of a spring to clamp the panels together. The wing nut/screw provides more clamping force than the spring if you need more force to pull the panels up tight.

 

[jetmech09]

40 drill, 3 rivet, 40 cleco
30 drill, 4 rivet, 30 cleco
21 drill, 5, rivet, 21 cleco
10 drill, 6 rivet, 10 cleco

 

[Alchymist]

Might want to pick up a few of these also - really handy!