GPutt33

My Feedback: (2)

Hi everyone - I recently was given a box of RC building tools and supplies and ran across a box of what looked like some sort of clamp. I also found a weird pair of pliers in another. I finally put two and two together and found out the pliers are to compress the clamp to use or take off. They are made by Monogram, but I have no idea what they may have originally been designed for or where you'd ever find more.

Can anyone shed any light on these??

wadster

Hello,
those clamps that you have are used in the aviation industry & in fabrication shops to hold panels together before welding or riveting.
I am an aircraft mechanic so I have used them alot.You can get them through aviation supply companys that sell sheet metal tools.Its been about ten years since I bought mine and they were pretty expensive back then,I dont know what they cost now.Ive always called them cleco clamps because you use cleco pliers to install them but I am not sure if cleco is the actual company that makes them.
hope this helps, Scott

Mike in DC

A quick Google of "cleco clamps" reveals that's what they're called. The clamps are a few bucks apiece, the plyers $15 or so.

wadster

Hello again,
When I first responded to your post I didnt have much time to go into detail about these clamps.If you do a search for aviation tools Im sure you will find abunch of places that sells them and if Im not mistaken either summit racing or jegs performance here in ohio sells them.I personally think (By your pictures) that you have all you need because of the amount of tension they have they are only good for gluing up plywood parts on r/c aircraft.They will crush balsa and I think for the amount of money you would spend on 10 of these clamps you would be better off going to walmart and buying the assortment of spring loaded clamps(the kind that looks pliers)But thats just my opinion.
Scott

GPutt33

My Feedback: (2)

Thanks for the info guys. Your right, with the number I have I don't need anymore. The ply is also the only thing I use them on, the balsa would not hold up to the tension these things put up.

This particular set has the Monogram stencil on them as manufacturer.

Thanks guys

LearjetMech

Yes in fact those are used in the Aviation industry. They are referred to as "cleco" clamps. They are used to hold sheet metal pieces together when fabricating things. Looks like you found a good alternative use for them. DO NOT USE THEM ON BALSA though. They will crush it!
Nik

CafeenMan

Crushed wood is lighter than not crushed wood because it's thinner, right?

micsrcfn

Hi GPutt33,

They are indeed CLECO clamps. Having built airplanes for @ 36 years, I have used them a LOT.

Also if you will notice the slot on top of the cleco clamp. This is to loosen the gripping strength. Take a screwdriver and turn it counter-clockwise to lessen the grip.

If you were to place a piece of hardwood between the clamp & the balsa, you will not smash the balsa. But, w/o the hardwood...go figure!


Good Flying

LearjetMech

Cafeen,
Yea I suppose. I guess it is kind of like a pound of lead vs. a pound of feathers thing!