SonexBuilders.net

Just wanted to share, MRO Tools put together a Cleco kit from the recommended tools list at my request (in less than an hour of my initial query). If any other potential builders are looking for a one shot deal. Includes all the recommended Clecos (I had 25 of the 3/16" instead of 10) and two pairs of pliers pretty good deal for $278 shipped. If the listing is over just send them a message, I am sure they will be more than happy to accommodate.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SONEX-Cleco-Fas ... 1893064385

*Edited for correct link

As a good friend said when I began building my Sonex....

"How many clecos do you need?"

"All of them!"

Point being that is a good start. EBay has many on sale. Buy more, as you will need every one them and more.


Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S assigned

How many clecoes? Easy, you need more.

There is no such thing as too many clecos!!

The amount of clecos suggested by Sonex is a bare minimum... as in, it can be done, but you'll have to get creative at certain points when the cleco bin goes empty (such as wing skin installation.) I have just over 100 copper and silver clecoes, and ended up needing to partially updrill at times during the wing build just so I could spread out the use of both types of clecoes. I also ran out of copper clecoes during my forward fuselage build because I didn't rivet the floor, and it took up a big chunk of my cleco supply as I moved to other fwd fuselage parts.

Also, even if you ordered the pre-assembled spars, I've found the black clecoes to be quite useful during windshield fitting, since it uses 8-32 screws.

Get at least 2 cleco pliers. I still only have 1, and curse myself every time I have to walk across the shop to grab/find it. I could have probably saved myself a couple hours in my entire build if I'd just spent a few bucks on another pair of pliers or 2.

While I entirely agree with the sentiment that you can never have enough Clecos (then again that is my view on tools in general which probably explains why I only have about 100 sqft out of my 2200 sqft workshop that are accessible) I though this was a good starting point for new/prospective builders. Has everything recommend in one shot and a decent price as well.

Ryan- When I had them create the "kit" for me I had them include 2 pair of pliers. Kind of wishing I would have said 3 now. Oh well.

Thanks for doing the legwork on that one Boosted, I ordered a kit last night. I'm not far from them and it already shipped out, so I should have it real soon. Now all I need is a Sonex kit to put them to use. I ordered one yesterday :) For all the new crop of maiden flights we've recently had we have to replace them with new builders, and I plan to be one of them. :D

mike20sm wrote:Now all I need is a Sonex kit to put them to use. I ordered one yesterday :) For all the new crop of maiden flights we've recently had we have to replace them with new builders, and I plan to be one of them. :D

Welcome to the madness!

Wings on my Xenos are over 20 feet each! You think you need a lot of clecos on the other models just do the math for a Xenos! Some of the suppliers do give a discount on large orders, that helped some. Bob ( Xenos #59)

Mike20sm:
Glad to here we have a newbe in the crowd.
Have fun building
Don