Best way to tighten Chicago Screws?

[Northmount]

On 5/9/2025 at 11:05 AM, fredk said:

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

That is similar to mine.  Below is the style my Dad used (for valve in block).  Neither of these would make a good tool for Chicago screws.

[Brokenolmarine]

I bought molar extraction pliers on amazon to use for removing rivets in leather if I messed them up, or had a belt or holster in need of repair.  The pliers work great to hold the edge of chicago screws for removal or installation as well.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/305751247935

[TonyV]

Chicago screw is a simple fastener.  A simple solution is in order.  Chicago screws with a rubber washer is fine, if you want to buy them. In the mean time, if the only C screws you have don't include a rubber washer, simply use a small drop of rubber in the spot where the washer would fit.  Give it a couple minutes to dry, and voila, you have a rubber washer, thanks to the rubber cement you likely already have on hand.

C screws dont need to be real tight, either.  I get good results simply holding the base with a fingertip while I tighten the screw.

Edited May 12 by TonyV

[chuck123wapati]

I used to use a small set of needle-nose pliers and Locktite until I figured out they were much more expensive than rivets to install permanently. now I just use them for mock-up or adjustment purposes.

[Frodo]

I use a toothpick with a drop of liquid cement to glue the dome part to the leather, then a drop of loctite on the threads  If I run into a situation where thickness is an issue I add a leather spacer in between the pieces of leather

Spacer can be simply made by using 1/2" hole punch then punching a hole center of the piece you dig out of your punch.  

[Doc Reaper]

I don't use lock tight, I use black or clear nail polish. I also use a belt sander to shorten the screw post if necessary. I then use a small dowel sharpened to a point to remove the burrs

[Dwight]

For 20+ years . . . I have put the Chicago screw together with my fingers . . . 

Picked up the leather piece . . . and grabbed the back piece of the Chicago screw with the leading edge of a pair of professional lineman pliers.  Left hand puts the squeeze on the screw head . . . and if you have enough ooomph in your left hand . . . you can shake the holster and it won't let go.  If not . . . eat some Wheaties.

Right hand picks up the screwdriver . . . and when it's job is done . . . that Chicago screw is "there" . . . and just maybe forever.

Works for me.

May God bless,

Dwight