Atlanta Cleco Help

GTechRV · #1 05-10-2007, 07:58 PM

So I recently ran into the classic problem of the 3/32 clecos popping out of dimpled skins and realized I have the clecoloc brand which tend to do exactly that. Is there some sort of technique that will make these work or do I need a different brand?

If so, I was wondering if there were any area builders willing to trade a 100 or so (about half my current stock) for a different brand. I understand that the 3/32 from avery or cleaveland do not suffer the same fate. I live in the northern suburbs (Suwanee) but take frequent trips down to Spruce, so location is not a big deal. PM me!

Thanks,
Ryan

dan · #2 05-10-2007, 10:14 PM

I'd say...ebay 'em to a Murphy or Sonex builder who isn't dimpling, for whom those clecos would probably work just fine. And then buy WEDGELOK clecos for your RV project.

GTechRV · #3 05-11-2007, 05:34 AM

Thanks for the tip Dan. Just bought a hundred from Cleaveland. I guess I'll just have two types for now. Funny I haven't found the issue in other's build logs.

LifeofReiley · #4 05-11-2007, 07:32 AM

I've used many brands of clecos both new and used and have never had this experience. Maybe this company has changed something in their design.

Jamie · #5 05-11-2007, 08:06 AM

I got one bad batch of clecos that exhibited this problem. You could visually see that the little round heads on the clecos were smaller than the other ones. I purchased the clecos from Cleaveland. If you got yours from Cleveland give them a call -- they will do everything possible to make sure you're happy. They have gone above and beyond for me on a couple of issues.

BTW: To finish the plane I ended up with about 500 or so. When you have the entire fuselage clecoed upside down you'll see how many you'll need.

craigvince · #6 05-11-2007, 09:40 AM

I had the same problem with mine. I ended up buying new ones from Cleaveland, and returned the Cleco-Locs to US Industrial where I bought them.

johngoodman · #7 05-12-2007, 02:20 PM

I had the same problem. I had the Avery tool package but soon realized I needed a lot more for my RV-10. I drove over to Aircraft Spruce and bought two hundred more. It took a while for me to figure out what was going on, but the Spruce ones just don't want to hold. The simple solution was putting a small bin nearby to toss the weak sisters in. They're still good for non-dimple work.
John