CRAFTSMAN'S CORNER tool a real asset while homebuilding an all metal airplane. The speed of Cleco removal with this tool is really remarkable. It is at least four times the speed that a highly experienced individual can maintain with hand operated Cleco pliers. Our EAA staff, who have varying degrees of manual dexterity (I think I'm pretty much bottom gun with Clecos!), found the tool to be easy to operate and learn on. Installation takes about the same period of time as with pliers but it is a lot easier. Due to the way that the tool is designed, it can be operated with various hand positions to keep

Ben Owen tool is needed to withdraw Clecos. As to the tool itself, it is made of machined and polished aluminum. The trigger can be operated in various positions and takes just 3 pounds of pressure to operate, unlike the almost 85 pounds of pressure required by the manual pliers. Due to Chuck's past experience in designing dental tools with his father, he knows how to test equipment. Initial testing did reveal some limited life items and these were replaced. The tool is designed for heavy industrial use on a daily, constant basis. Standard air pressure for the tool is 90-110 psi. The tool he brought to EAA Head-

Charles Gold, President of C. D. Charles, Inc., PO Box 425, Glenview, IL 60025, phone 708/729-6551. "THE AUTOMATIC CLECO TOOL"

Chuck Gold is a RV-6A builder and is coming along quite well on his project. He found in building his all metal aircraft that he was getting some lingering hand pain from squeezing Cleco pliers. These pliers, like hand exercisers, develop a "mighty" hand grip, but in using his Cleco pliers over and over, he knew the possibility of hand damage existed. He, in fact, felt that he had already received some repetitive hand stress damage from their use. Doing a little research on the subject, he found that the U. S. Dept. of Labor reported 48% of all work related illness in 1988 was caused by repetitive motion leading to tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis inflammation, etc. From his work in the design of dental tools, Chuck realized there had to be a better way to remove Clecos. Having the experience, the tools and the right suppliers, he knew he could design a tool that would work and last. He did so and then exten-

Removing Clecos using a bucket underneath the tool to catch them as they fall - a very rapid process.

from repetitive stress on the operator. If properly sized holes are used, the Clecos pop out quickly and easily and come straight out. This discourages the twisting motion technique often used with Cleco pliers that many times will cause distortion and burrs. Very little, if any, manipulation of the

quarters also had a nice universal hose attachment, making movement very smooth and easy. A nice feature of the use of this tool is the reduction in fatigue that comes with the easy action and high speed. The tool is available at a price of $235 plus $4 shipping.

sively tested it, replacing those parts

that would not stand up until he had a tool that was reliable and would last for heavy duty use. He called it the Speed Kleek™, a tool that found ready acceptance. A list of his customers for this tool reads like a "who's who" of companies - Lockheed, Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, Bell Helicopters, LearJet, etc. Being a homebuilder who found this to be a very useful tool, he decided to offer it to the homebuilders. We feel that many of our homebuilders, particularly anyone past 30 years of age, might find the 92 FEBRUARY 1992

Installation of a Cleco is easily and conveniently done.