This is a variation of the game:

It may be quite a bit harder, but some of you might like it. I am posting a verbal description of a device and the challenge is for the group to see if they can come up with some pictures of the device.

Here goes:

My Dad worked building the F-86 jet after the war. He had a pair of a device that was used to keep two pieces of sheet metal aligned together while a row of rivets holes were drilled and the rivets were installed.  

It was about one inch long has multiple moving parts, and was spring loaded. That may may the quest a little easier. Warning, there may be more than one device of this type.

I am seeking something that answers the function more than the actual device, which I no longer have access to.

Can anyone find a picture of it on the web? if so, post the image? I am also going to see if I can find a picture of the devices my Dad had, so here's hoping someone can beat me to it!

Happy hunting! Feel free to ask questions.

I think I know what it is but there are a bunch of styles.  Are we supposed to find the exact one?

Oh what the heck, I'll give this one a try:



Spring Cleco

Tyler Ludens wrote:I think I know what it is but there are a bunch of styles.  Are we supposed to find the exact one?

It really doesn't matter, since I only have my memory of the gadget to work from.

Tyler Ludens wrote:Oh what the heck, I'll give this one a try:



Spring Cleco

That looks real close. I remember it had a sort of plunger action that caused two parts to become "fatter" after being placed in the hole.


Let's see what some other people come up with. II recall it seemed to operate with a more squeezing action, rather than the push the plunger action of this one, but I could be wrong.

Burra Maluca wrote:

This video shows the process very well, but the one my Dad had did not require the special tool to grip the blind fastener. It was used by squeezing it, and putting it in the hole.

I haven't started looking for it on line, so Let's see what other styles show up.

On further thought, it may have worked by depressing the plunger shown in the Cleco Clamps video, although the ones my Dad had did not require the special tool. I don't have any idea if the tool was absolutely necessary. It may be that the clamps could be used without it. I've looked around on the web, and the Cleco device certainly comes as close as possible to what I remember. Good work, guys!

Apples for Tyler and Burra!! Good work!! :D I had NO clue... :D