Pliers or air, side by side
| Cleco pliers | Pneumatic cleco tool | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | Your hand | Compressed air | Seller listings |
| Cleco sizes | All six spring sizes, 3/32" to 3/8" | All spring cleco series, per the listing | Handbook p. 4-30; Yardstore |
| Side clamps | Yes: both sellers list their pliers for cleco clamps | Not stated in the listing | Yardstore; LAS |
| Extras | None | 69" braided polyurethane hose; rotating nose | Yardstore |
| In kits we list | Yardstore Pro and home builder kits; LAS 100-cleco kit | None | Seller listings |
How to choose
One pair covers every size. The Handbook gives six spring cleco diameters, 3/32" to 3/8", with the size stamped on each and a color code, and one plier for all of them. There is no per-size tool to buy. Which cleco goes in which hole is on the cleco size chart.
The same pliers set side clamps. Yardstore lists its pliers for spring clecos and cleco clamps, and its side-grip clamps as set with cleco pliers. LAS lists its pliers for clecos and spring tension clamps, in a standard (131) and a heavy-duty (131A) version. The LAS listing does not say what the heavy-duty version changes.
The case for air is volume. Yardstore's argument for its pneumatic tool is repetitive strain: the hand stops doing the squeezing. The Handbook mentions pneumatic Cleco installers only for hex nut fasteners, and gives no cleco count at which air pays off. If your work is a few dozen clecos at a time, the sources give no reason to buy one.
Clecos align; they do not clamp hard. A spring cleco "keeps the holes in the separate sheets aligned". Where more clamp-up is needed, the Handbook points to hex nut and wing nut temporary fasteners, up to 300 pounds of clamping force. Those are turned by hand or with a hex nut runner, not set with pliers.
The tools, as listed
| Tool | Works | Listed spec | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleco pliers with grip | Hand | Forged steel, nickel-plated, cushioned grip | US · Yardstore |
| Cleco pliers 131 / 131A | Hand | Standard and heavy duty | UK/EU · LAS |
| Cleco kit CL100K | Hand | Pliers, 25 each 3/32" to 3/16" K-series clecos, case | UK/EU · LAS |
| Side clamp kit | Hand | Pliers and 12 side clamps, open to 3/4" | US · Yardstore |
| Pneumatic spring cleco tool | Air | Inline grip, rotating nose, 69" hose | US · Yardstore |
As the sellers list them. Each name links to the page with its source and the seller's live listing.
Questions people actually ask
Cleco pliers or a cleco gun?
Pliers, unless you install clecos by the hundred. One pair fits all six spring cleco sizes, per the FAA Handbook. A pneumatic tool takes the squeeze off the hand; the seller's case for it is repetitive strain, and neither FAA source gives a volume at which it is needed.
Do I need different pliers for each cleco size?
No. The Handbook: "A special type of plier fits the six different sizes."
Can cleco pliers install side clamps?
Yes. Both Yardstore and LAS list their pliers for cleco clamps or spring tension clamps, and Yardstore's side clamps are listed as set with cleco pliers.
Do wing nut clecos need pliers?
No. The Handbook says wing nut fasteners are turned and tightened by hand, and hex nut fasteners with a hex nut runner or a pneumatic Cleco installer.
Limits of this guide
What the sources support, and no further.
- No tool was tested. Jaw fit and spring feel are not in a listing.
- No volume threshold. Neither FAA source says how many clecos justify a pneumatic tool.
- Air figures are missing. Our record of the pneumatic tool's listing has no air pressure or consumption figure; ask the seller before connecting it.
- Heavy duty is undefined. LAS lists a heavy-duty plier without saying what differs.
Sources
- FAA-H-8083-31, AMT Handbook — Airframe, Volume 1, Chapter 4 — pp. 4-29 to 4-30, "Reusable Sheet Metal Fasteners": Cleco construction, the six sizes and color coding, one plier for all sizes, hex nut and wing nut fasteners to 300 pounds, pneumatic Cleco installers.
- Seller listings — tool specifications, via the linked product pages at Yardstore and LAS Aerospace.