Chicago Screws

[Gremlin]

Mine arrived and I've had the chance to use it. I like it. Makes quick and easy work of stubborn screws. I can highly recommend it for any bench.

I have to go along with the previous suggestions tho. I would like to see a metal one as well as a model with a deeper throat so the user could reach further with it. Equinetacktool, if you are planning to do a metal one and one with a deeper throat, put me on the list of those that would buy them.

[esantoro]

I haven't used this tool, but I can appreciate Art's comments about not being able to to screws that are 2" or more away from the leather edge. What about a two part tool that would allow for positioning anywhere. One might even be able to have some rubber substance underneath the post head for gripping and then use a wrench opening on the screw side to apply pressure.

I will be trying this out in the coming weeks and will report back. If successful, pictures will follow.

Ed

[esantoro]

came across this tool this morning:

http://www.proleptic.net/products/index/12

[bruce johnson]

Ed, that concho turner is a decent enough tool. It is not for Chicago screws in any great fashion. It is alright to do what it is designed for. It will loosen or tighten screw back conchos on saddles. I can't get it to really get a concho as tight as I like or to budge one that is set. Once you get one loose or are starting one in, it saves a lot of finger twisting. I still have to finish up or start one back out with a padded set of channel lock pliers. I wouldn't jump on it a must-have tool, but it is sort of handy at times.

[esantoro]

Ed, that concho turner is a decent enough tool. It is not for Chicago screws in any great fashion. It is alright to do what it is designed for. It will loosen or tighten screw back conchos on saddles. I can't get it to really get a concho as tight as I like or to budge one that is set. Once you get one loose or are starting one in, it saves a lot of finger twisting. I still have to finish up or start one back out with a padded set of channel lock pliers. I wouldn't jump on it a must-have tool, but it is sort of handy at times.

Thanks, Bruce. From my brief experimentation with handle assembly on a briefcase, i may not even need a special tool, as the layers of metal and leather seem to work as an automatic tensioner, but I can see myself using the Chicago Screws on belts, for which the pliers tool that started this thread would be a good choice.

By the way, do you ever come across the need to use the 5/32" screw backs in place of the standard 1/4" that all CS seem to come with? I'm putting in an order first of the year with Weaver.

Ed