Best way to tighten Chicago Screws?

[TomG]

2 hours ago, Northmount said:

I use a JP Tack Tool like this.  Or like this one. 

I use the one from Weaver. Pricey, but worth it.
Be sure to order a few spare rubber 'faces' for the jaws. They will wear out over time. I used to make specialty leashes that had about 8 Chicago screws holding things together.
I used a small drill with a Phillips bit to set them. I also used the blue Harbor Freight version of Loc-Tite. 
Worked great.

[fredk]

That one on Weaver started out life as valve sleeve installers.* I once had them for installing valves on my cars

PS. the first one opens a page but no picture shows on it

*edit; just remembered the name; valve spring compressor

Edited May 9 by fredk

[PastorBob]

13 hours ago, AlZilla said:

@PastorBob

These are a slot and a Philips. Somewhere I have slot/Allen, too. When I get to a big computer I'll find the Amazon link, because that's where I actually ordered from.

Thanks!

[Samalan]

Cut a slot in each side a pair of pliers in the nose end very close to the front surface with a Dremel tool, grind the nose to a very slight dish, this will hold the smooth side of your screw, then use some blue when you put it together. this is the best way, IMHO, that is to say, I have never found anything better and don't need to.

 

[Northmount]

11 hours ago, fredk said:

the first one opens a page but no picture shows on it

[DeWayne Hayes]

That's a cool tool when there is clearance on both sides, but I could never get it in there between the flap and the holster without bending or scarring the leather. The flap is pressed down tight to the holster body. 

I'm thinking a thin rubber washer or, as I said, a spot of contact cement might be my strategy. I'll try the rubber washer tactic first and see how it does. 

Thanks, folks. 

DeWayne

 

 

[fredk]

12 hours ago, fredk said:

That one on Weaver started out life as valve sleeve installers.* I once had them for installing valves on my cars

*edit; just remembered the name; valve spring compressor

I wonder if valve spring compressor proper would do the job. They usually can be bought in automotive supply stores or at garage sale for few bucks

@Northmount ; thank you

[Northmount]

29 minutes ago, fredk said:

I wonder if valve spring compressor proper would do the job. They usually can be bought in automotive supply stores or at garage sale for few bucks

@Northmount ; thank you

I guess it depends on the style.  One my Dad had, had a screw handle on it instead of a lever.  The one I have reaches around the head (valve in head) and has a long cumbersome reach for something like this.  The screw clamp reached in the side of the engine block for the valve in block engine.

This would be the type of clamp, locking pliers, vice-grip (multiple trade names) to modify to make a long reach Chicago Screw clamp.  Has lots of height, lots more than needed, could be lengthened for longer reach, and could be modified so one side can be slide inside a small space.  Wouldn't be too hard to do.  Make ends like the Weaver clamp.

I had a welding clamp very similar to this one.  Maybe wasn't designed for welding as the spring failed!  Probably didn't like high current flow circulating thru the clamp when the 2 objects being welded didn't have a good electrical connection.  Gave it to my son along with my 325 A AC welder and some other welding tools.

Edited May 9 by Northmount
added comment

[fredk]

2 hours ago, fredk said:

I wonder if valve spring compressor proper would do the job.

On second thoughts. they would not do the OP. The screw bar would be on the wrong side as it were

[DeWayne Hayes]

Just circling back, folks. I tried the contact cement route and it seemed to work fine. Just a few dabs on the lip of the interior (domed, slotless) female end, and a little on the leather, wait 15-min, and she tightens up nicely now. Don't expect to ever need to take those female ends off the leather loop they're glued to, so should be good to go. 

Thanks for helping me brainstorm this.