Screwing Around With Screw On Conchos

[The Farmers Daughter]

I am attempting to replace old saddle strings with new and have replaced the leather conchos and have just purchased beautiful new silver domed conchos with screw backs. The problem is I can only get them screwed in about half way by using my bare hands. Can some one tell me how to get them screwed in flat? I don't think I can physically do it with out a tool, but I was worried that a wrench will mar the finished silver and the scalloped edge of the conchos themselves.

Could really use some help here guys!

[The Farmers Daughter]

Really, come on ... there must be a saddle smith or 2 here with some advice....?

[Luke Hatley]

Really, come on ... there must be a saddle smith or 2 here with some advice....?

NOT a Saddlesmith, but been there done that....I have used an AWL to pre form the Hole

that the screw on the concho will go in. The best way to instal the concho is to have

a "Concho Turner" i do know they can be bought at Proleptic.com.

some one else might know of other places to purchase

[bruce johnson]

I predrill pilot holes for my screws about with a smaller bit than the shank of the screw. That way I still end up with some bind on the shank. I set the depth so the last 1/4" of screw is not drilled for more bind. That is just the way a coupole guys have shared with me. When I go to seat one, I use a pair of channel-lock pliers with taped jaws.

I have a pro-concho turner and it works alright if the hole is fairly loose (like on a repair). I can't get it to really seat one though. It works a lot better for me to back out old conchos. One thing to be aware of is that if the hole is not at 90 degrees to the surface. As you get close you will end up with a bit of a problem. A rawhide mallet will ususally bend over that edge of the concho to make it flush. Also some conchos don't have the screw soldered on at 90 degrees and you need to be aware of that and compensate with the mallet, so I have been told.

[The Farmers Daughter]

I predrill pilot holes for my screws about with a smaller bit than the shank of the screw. That way I still end up with some bind on the shank. I set the depth so the last 1/4" of screw is not drilled for more bind. That is just the way a coupole guys have shared with me. When I go to seat one, I use a pair of channel-lock pliers with taped jaws.

I have a pro-concho turner and it works alright if the hole is fairly loose (like on a repair). I can't get it to really seat one though. It works a lot better for me to back out old conchos. One thing to be aware of is that if the hole is not at 90 degrees to the surface. As you get close you will end up with a bit of a problem. A rawhide mallet will ususally bend over that edge of the concho to make it flush. Also some conchos don't have the screw soldered on at 90 degrees and you need to be aware of that and compensate with the mallet, so I have been told.

Bruce - Thanks for the info. I was curious to know what you tape your pliers with. I tried with with channel locks and a rag, but that didn't give me enough grip.

[bruce johnson]

I use electrician's tape. You have to be careful on some conchos. The real thin cheap conchos will collapse if you grip them very hard.

[The Farmers Daughter]

Thanks Luke and Bruce. I will post a photo when I get done bulldogging this sucker.

[AdamTill]

I've never tried to use a screw on concho before, but could you try finding a Robertson wood screw with the same thread pitch and shank diameter? You could cut the threads with the screw first, then follow in with the concho afterwards.

[The Farmers Daughter]

Update - I got the 4 screw on conchos and saddle strings replaced. I confess, it was a little harder than I thought it would be. Now how the heck do you get the little ones out that are under the swells and in the rear by the cantle binding? Those are in there tight and flush. Is there a trick to that?

[oldtimer]

I modified a pair of pliers to handle the screw conchas, bent the tips to get a good grip on the edge of the conchas.

/ Knut

[The Farmers Daughter]

I modified a pair of pliers to handle the screw conchas, bent the tips to get a good grip on the edge of the conchas.

/ Knut

Hi Knut -

That is a good idea. How did you modify them? They look perfect.

[oldtimer]

I found the pliers on a flea market, very cheap, and I just bought it !! Then one day I got concha problems, how to get those bastards out as I don´t have a concha turner, and I got a bright idea ( It doesn´t happen every day !)

I heatad the tips cherry red with a flame and bent them carefully to desired shape on an anvil with a with a small hammer, then I quenched them in water, a five minute job, no big deal. A minute on the polishing wheel and - voilá !

This set of pliers works well and has a good grip on the conchas. You have to be careful when turning the conchas not to make ugly marks on the leather concha below, but it will handle the most stubborn concha. ( One of my simpler tricks, actually! )

/ Knut

[impulse]

I modified a pair of pliers to handle the screw conchas, bent the tips to get a good grip on the edge of the conchas.

/ Knut

Similar thinking to me, but I use surgical tissue forceps which have the ideal inward curve, are made of stainless steel and are very strong. Find them on ebay costing around $8 to $9 for size 8-10" .

Cheers

Lois

[The Farmers Daughter]

Similar thinking to me, but I use surgical tissue forceps which have the ideal inward curve, are made of stainless steel and are very strong. Find them on ebay costing around $8 to $9 for size 8-10" .

Cheers

Lois

Brilliant! Thanks