Cleko is a temporary fastener used to secure multiple sheets of aluminum or steel together. It consists of a steel body with a spring and plunger mechanism, and step locks. The fastener is used in sheet metal work, including aircraft and automobile body work. It is available in four sizes with a definitive color for easy identification. Cleko fastening is not limited to metal panels and is also used in installing fiberglass body panels and accessories.
A cleko, or cleco as they are commonly spelled, is a type of fastener that is used to temporarily secure multiple sheets of aluminum or steel together as they are butted into place. Consisting of a steel body that surrounds a spring and plunger mechanism along with step locks, the cleko uses a special type of pliers to compress the spring and step locks. Step locks are inserted into a pre-drilled hole in sheet steel or aluminum, and once the pliers release the spring, the cleko tightly joins the materials. The hole size that a cleko will fit properly is related to the body color of the faster. Another version of the fastener uses a wing nut to tighten the mechanism tighter than the spring-loaded type is capable of; however, it typically takes longer to install and remove than its spring-loaded counterparts.
Originally designed to aid in aircraft construction, the cleko was used in all types of sheet metal work from boat building to aircraft and automobile body work. Often referred to as a removable pop rivet, the cleko is often used for re-skin aircraft, boats and race cars where large sheets of aluminum are placed and may require frequent removal before being permanently installed. An advantage to using the fastener is that the cleko is able to replace a helper by holding materials securely in place, allowing a lone worker to manipulate and fit a panel into place.
Available at many tool distributors and airline supply stores, Detachable Fasteners are offered in four sizes, each with a definitive color for easy identification during application. It is crucial to purchase the specialty pliers when buying your fasteners as they are virtually useless without them. The cost of the fasteners is relatively low compared to the cost of installing blind rivets and drilling them numerous times when assembling and installing a body panel. Many dedicated repair shops will have nearly 100 or more cleckos of each size on hand to tackle most repair jobs.
Cleko fastening is not strictly limited to metal panels. Many body shops will also use fasteners when installing fiberglass body panels and accessories to a vehicle. The springs in the fasteners are strong enough to hold fragile pieces in place without damaging or breaking them. The large size of the cleko body also helps ensure that fasteners are applied in an evenly spaced, straight position, providing a visual image that is easy to study.
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