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-   -   QUALITY Cleco pliers (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=179161)

JKevin 01-31-2020 04:55 AM

QUALITY Cleco pliers
 
For tools that I use every day over and over, I hate crappy tools. Like every set of Cleco pliers I have ever found. Is there such a thing as high quality Cleco pliers?

I have a pneumatic cleco tool but would like a good quality manual set. Bonus it it was available in traditional and upright versions.

Any ideas?

rv8ch 01-31-2020 06:54 AM

plastidip?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by JKevin (Post 1404481)
... Any ideas?

I've only used the pliers that came with the old avery kit, and they seem ok, probably because I wear gloves 99% of the time.

I recall that some would cover the handles with plastidip - if that's where you feel the tool can be improved.

9GT 01-31-2020 08:30 AM

I like the cheaper ones that are lighter in weight. I have had a couple sets of the ones with rubberized handles and on both of them, but over time the rubber covers would loosen up and start slipping off. Turned out I like the feel of the plain steel better.

Ironflight 01-31-2020 08:32 AM

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pair of cleco pliers that measure up to the standards of some of the very old tools I have collected from the past, but if expense is a measure of quality, then you might check out the Clecalls over at ACS - I used a few of their prototype tools, and they are nicely built. I have a little trouble personally using the spring-loaded ones because they mess up my old-fashioned rhythm, but we have lots of different plies in our shop, and many visitors drift right to the Clecalls and don't want to give them up.

Paul

sjhurlbut 01-31-2020 08:43 AM

pliers
 
This is awesome. I love my loose and ragged clecoe pliers. Bought from Avery Tools in 1998.

6 airplanes and counting - and I love the finger callus.

wirejock 01-31-2020 09:39 AM

Cleko pliers
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by sjhurlbut (Post 1404521)
This is awesome. I love my loose and ragged clecoe pliers. Bought from Avery Tools in 1998.

6 airplanes and counting - and I love the finger callus.

Same here. I plasti dipped them and it's still on. The loose hinge make them fast with low friction. Just let go and the bottom handle drops.

rocketman1988 01-31-2020 09:47 AM

Clecall
 
I have one of the original Aluminum Upright models...and I would not recommend it. The aluminum is too soft and the checks get hung up in the jaws...

They ARE beautiful, though.

That said, I would try their forged steel ones without hesitation...

fixnflyguy 01-31-2020 11:00 AM

Old and refined...
 
I have been using the same pair for 40 years, forged steel very loose in the hinge and slightly reworked at the jaw end to fit tighter spaces and eliminate hang-ups. I have tried a dozen others, but I always go back to my favorite old set. I have a strategically placed wrap of cloth electrical tape on the pull side of the plier that keeps it from slipping in my hands..i will NEVER give it up!

terrye 01-31-2020 12:33 PM

QUALITY Cleco pliers
 
I slipped a piece of rubber hose over each handle of my standard cleco pliers. I now call these QUALITY cleco pliers:) They are much easier on the hands than the standard cleco pliers and the rubber hose has never slipped or come off.

GeoffP 01-31-2020 06:33 PM

My favourite set is a tired old second hand set that came with some surplus tools. I put a couple of layers of heat shrink on the handles to improve grip, feel, and comfort. I have also got some of the spring loaded clecall ones, both upright & normal, and they're nice but depending on the angle it can be difficult to get them to fully disengage the cleco's.


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