An idea for holding together scales during restoration

[doublev23]

Hey Guys, I have been lurking around here and reading every article I can get my eyes on.

I noticed that there are several ways to hold the scales, wedge, blade, and washers together while you fit everything.

My day job is doing sheet metal fabrication (and other fab) on classic cars. One of the tools I use to hold the sheet metal together while I fit it is called a Cleco (pronounced klee-ko). It is basically a temorary rivet that can be removed or installed in a few seconds.

Here is a link

K-1/16 Standard (K) 0-1/4'' Grip Plier Operated Cleco Fasteners

here is a link to the pliers

K-200CG Clecos Pliers

I am not affiliated with the above website (as a matter of fact I think I have seen lower prices elsewhere)

You would need the standard cleco pliers and a few of these cleco's and they will last a lifetime.

The only thing I would recommend is that you use a back up washer otherwise it could crack the scales... So that it pulls up tight against the washer instead of the scales.

Also with two cleco's installed in the scales it would make it really easy to hang onto the scales while shaping the wedge.

[Voidmonster]

That's VERY cool! I'll be getting some of those. They're certainly cheap enough to experiment with.

[Cangooner]

Or you could use microfasteners?

Adjustable Pins aka Microfasteners - Straight Razor Place Wiki



I've never used clecos, but from my extensive (!) couple of minutes googling I would be worried about two things: how much force they impart on the scales (some materials will crack/shatter easily), and having to work on the scales with a big cleco sticking out of one side. Seems like that would be pretty ungainly. But if you try it out, let us know what you think.

EDIT: how much force is actually applied by these? I think I may have assumed that there was more than there in fact is...

[Martin103]

I use metal paper clips, all kind of different size available, very cheap, and most importantly both of your hands are free.

[doublev23]

I noticed that the 1/16 Clecos are rated at "less than 25 pounds of force" that still might be too much. However there are different types and there are some that have a wing nut that is tightened as much or as little as you want. (as opposed to the spring loaded pliers types) I will try to find some. Also there maybe be smaller versions as well.

[cudarunner]

Try using Scotch Double Stick Tape! Use the stuff that looks like and is the same thickness as regular Scotch Tape!! I have a friend who is a very accomplished wood worker and he uses it. I was there when he had four 3/4" hardwood boards held together with it so that all of the legs of the he was cutting on his band saw were exactly the same!!

When he gave me the Black Walnut for some scales I'd asked him to make the blanks just a little over 1/8" thick, when he gave me them they were about twice as thick as what I wanted! He just laughed and popped them apart! You couldn't even see the gap!

Since then I've used to make scales and it works GREAT! You can remove it by rubbing it off with your finger and if there is any residue, some enamel reducer takes it right off!