Members bushpilotmexico Posted April 26, 2015 Members Report Posted April 26, 2015 Just looking for some hints with Chicago screws. I know if I made them I would put a couple of little sharp dogs underneath the cap on the female side so you could get a little bite into the leather. The cap on the female part is so smooth that when you try and tighten from the male slotted side it just spins and if you do succeed in getting it reasonably tight you can't loosen it because it spins again. Any hints or suggestions? Thx Quote
electrathon Posted April 26, 2015 Report Posted April 26, 2015 Use a piece of rubber behind it to get some grip as you tighten it. There is also a pair of pliers available to grip them as you tighten, do not remember who sell it. Also, use loc-tite to keep them from un-threading. Quote
Members chrstn53 Posted April 26, 2015 Members Report Posted April 26, 2015 Weaver makes a tool called the malan chicago screw tool which is a modified vice grip that does wonders. http://www.weaverleathersupply.com/Catalog/ItemContent.aspx?ItemNumber=27271 There is another similar tool out there called the JP equine tack tool. I actually purchased this tool first, but was not impressed at all. Its made of some type of plastic and feels like its going to break in you hands and bends quite a bit. I was never able to get the screws as tight as I wanted so I purchased the Weaver one and it was exactly what I needed. I'm sure there are others out there, but I only have experience with the two I mentioned Quote
Members Itch Posted April 26, 2015 Members Report Posted April 26, 2015 Weaver makes a tool called the malan chicago screw tool which is a modified vice grip that does wonders. http://www.weaverleathersupply.com/Catalog/ItemContent.aspx?ItemNumber=27271 There is another similar tool out there called the JP equine tack tool. I actually purchased this tool first, but was not impressed at all. Its made of some type of plastic and feels like its going to break in you hands and bends quite a bit. I was never able to get the screws as tight as I wanted so I purchased the Weaver one and it was exactly what I needed. I'm sure there are others out there, but I only have experience with the two I mentioned We have both tools in our shop.. The one from Weaver wins hands down,we make a lot of belt,s and this tool is a life saver.. Quote Quality leather goods www.captain-itch.com www.Tennesseeholstercompany.com
Members bushpilotmexico Posted April 26, 2015 Author Members Report Posted April 26, 2015 Thanks guys that Weaver tool looks like it should work, in fact I may be able to modify a set of vice grips myself. Quote
Members Dwight Posted April 26, 2015 Members Report Posted April 26, 2015 OK, . . . I cheat, . . . I'm guilty, . . . I put my Chicago screws in by laying the female onto one of those red rubber erasers kids used to have when they did homework. I push down hard as I am turning the screw, . . . like Electrathon said, . . . it'll hold em. Actually, I sometimes have a bear of a time getting them off when I've put them on this way, . . . but at least they don't fall off. Tandy also sells a different version of this screw, . . . with an open back, . . . and teeth on the inside, . . . they can be pulled down really tight. May God bless, Dwight Quote If you can breathe, . . . thank God. If you can read, . . . thank a teacher. If you are reading this in English, . . . thank a veteran. www.dwightsgunleather.com
Members cgleathercraft Posted April 27, 2015 Members Report Posted April 27, 2015 A little blue loctite will keep them held. I've also used superglue in a pinch. As for getting them tight. anything that's a little tacky and lots of pressure like Dwight. Quote http://www.cgleathercraft.com Member of the Iron Brigade.
Members TinkerTailor Posted April 27, 2015 Members Report Posted April 27, 2015 I've hot glued them to the bench and then peeled it off after.. Quote "If nobody shares what they know, we will eventually all know nothing." "There is no adventure in letting fear and common sense be your guide"
Members Itch Posted April 27, 2015 Members Report Posted April 27, 2015 Nail polish will work like loctite in a pinch.. Quote Quality leather goods www.captain-itch.com www.Tennesseeholstercompany.com
Members JerseyFirefighter Posted April 27, 2015 Members Report Posted April 27, 2015 A little blue loctite will keep them held. I've also used superglue in a pinch. As for getting them tight. anything that's a little tacky and lots of pressure like Dwight. I JUST bought some blue thread locker today for this specific purpose. sandwiching 2 pieces of 8/9oz just misses the depth my chicago screws need. a little loctite could go a long way. Quote Rob www.ridgewayleatherworks.com IG: @Ridgewayleatherworks FB: RidgewayLeatherworks
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.