17 replies to this topic

[Covert]

i can see the sense in using these where you cant get clamps to clamp panels together, but when plug welding do you just remove one and plug it up as normal?
Because the hole will be through both panels , ie i use copper on the back to help me plug a hole up i dont need , would you need to do that ? As the most common size as far as i can see it is 1/8 or 3mm , any help appreciated!

[Ben_O]

I expect you can plug weld it up as normal. If they only leave a 3mm hole, it's not hard to plug weld it up without the need for copper behind it.

 

I have just done it with some redundant holes on my new inner wing. Just needs a bit more concentration to avoid blowing through.

 

But.... I have never used clecos so i'm only surmising 

[Covert]

Thanks ben , id rather buy the proper kit , ive just got visions of it blowing through everytime you try and do a plug weld , im torn between buying clecos or really big c clamps to hold my floor to my bulkhead while i weld it up
http://www.ebay.co.u...a90da7#shpCntId

[Stu.]

If you're using cleco's, yes you'll need to weld up the hole using the method you mention in you're post after completing the plug welds to the area.

[Ben_O]

I use these

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item5657f4ced7

 

They are self drilling so i just fit my drill with an appropriate size 1/4 drive socket in an extension bar and buzz them in. You can hold entire sections together in order to trial fit panels etc. Then once they are welded in place, you can pop the drill in reverse, buzz them back out and weld up the small holes left behind.

 

Far superior to clecos in my opinion as they are not bulky and won't get in the way.

 

Just my opinion though

 

Ben

[Ben_O]

Plus they can also be reused many many times

Edited by Ben_O, 15 April 2015 - 10:38 PM.

[Ben_O]

Here is a selection pack which would be more suitable

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...842848983&rt=nc

[ger]

I have used clecos in the past but I now use No-mar skinpins from http://www.aetools.co.uk/  the 04-SSL-1/8 ones http://www.aetools.c...-length-433.php

 

They seem to be better at clamping the two pieces together.

 

Ger

[sonikk4]

I have used clecos in the past but I now use No-mar skinpins from http://www.aetools.co.uk/  the 04-SSL-1/8 ones http://www.aetools.c...-length-433.php

 

They seem to be better at clamping the two pieces together.

 

Ger

 

5/32 would be better however the nylon base melts so not good from that point of view.

[ibrooks]

The thing with Clecos and Skin pins is that they aren't really designed to hold panels for welding so whilst they do work for what you are talking about it's a bit of a compromise with the hole being left in both panels that you need to account for when welding.

 

The original concept was that they would be used where panels are to be riveted to a frame (originally aircraft skins). The panel is held in place with the pins whilst the holes for the rivets are drilled and then it can be removed and the inevitable swarf cleaned from between the panels before the desired paints/sealants/adhesives are applied. The panel is then put back on and held in place with the pins whilst it's riveted on (either pop-rivets or traditional rivets).

 

Iain

[sonikk4]

Considering the fact there are a lot of areas where you cannot get clamps in then skin pins or clecos are perfect for the job. Better that than trying to force panels together. And bare in mind if you are using blind fasteners ie Cherry etc you may not get to the area behind. But I digress having a few small holes to weld after is not a big deal

[Covert]

So in your eyes Neil, I would be better using the self tapping screws linked by ben ?
Thanks Mark

[sonikk4]

Personally the only time I use self tapping screws is for the wings nothing else.

[Dr s]

I like the clecos and intergrips remember your not going to have a lot of tension in the metal. Blebing in 3mm hole is not hard with the welder

[sonikk4]

These ones are now my weapon of choice at 5/32nd. Mine are not this brand but very similar

http://www.aetools.c...perated-425.php