Size and Number of Clecos

[JimV]

I have recently ordered a Coupe 65 and am getting my shop prepared for delivery later this summer. What size and number of Clecos are required for positioning the panels and other components of the build. Thanks.

[edwardb]

Mostly 1/8-inch. You'll get lots of opinions about how many are needed. Seems to be a very emotional topic for some. I tend to use a lot of them, so have probably 75-100 of them and still occasionally run out. Hopefully I can hang onto my man card with that many. You could get by with 25 or even 50. But they're not expensive. A handful of 3/16-inch would come in handy occasionally as there are a few 3/16 rivets. Maybe 10 or so.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I started out with 50 of them but after 15 years and a bunch of cars that has dwindled to closer to 40. There are times every once in a while when another handful would be good to have---I think this topic is will be a good motivator for me to order another 25! I've never owned or found myself feeling a burning need for any 3/16. Your mileage may vary

Jeff

[Ray]

We did our Roadster build with 25 or so 1/8th clecos. Never seemed to need more then those.

You will burn through some drill bits though..... I bought the 1/8th double end ones from Harbor Freight (https://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-...-pc-61688.html) and still have one or two left.

Ray

[Jetfuel]

When buying clecos don't just stick to the P series.
The PSG and PWN series come in handy when you really need serious pull

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Jet

[Al_C]

Why I'm responding - not sure. You got plenty of info already. Nevertheless, I think you need a boatload of 1/8" and a few 3/16. Probably less than 10 of the 3/16, but at least 40 of the 1/8". I'm surprised nobody mentioned this, but.... get some #30 drill bits. They are way better than 1/8" for 1/8" rivets! OK, I'll be quiet now.

[JimV]

get some #30 drill bits. They are way better than 1/8" for 1/8" rivets!

Thanks for the info. I have built two aircraft and used a "lot" of #30 drills for 1/8 inch rivets. Much better as you say than 1/8" bits. I'll load up!