Tool To Install 1/4 Turn Fasteners

[Doug1968]

Fellows,

Where might I find the tool that is needed to swedge a new 1/4 turn fastener into my radiator door?

Doug

[TomCat]

Look for 'dzus' installation tools

HTH

Jay
87 SaftLiner

[Slow Rider]

A quarter in a pair of visegrips will do in a pinch.

[roadrunnertex]

Bet this will do the trick
jlv


http://www.browntool.com/Default.aspx?tabid=255&CategoryID=360&List=1&SortField=ProductName%2cProductNumber&Level=a&ProductID=259

[bevans6]

http://www.dfcis.com/st-1200/index.html

Make sure you figure out the size you need.  You need the stud and the grommet to hold it in.

Brian

[Ace]

I have an actual tool just for this purpose. It is a short, about 4-5 inches long, looks like an over sized flat screw driver with a screw driver handle. I have had it for years and acquired it in a trade back when I was racing!

Sorry I can't be of more help other than check out your local speed shops where they sell Dzus fasteners. The Cleco pliers mentioned above won't do it!

[roadrunnertex]

Ace,The pliers are Camlock not Cleco pliers.
I know the difference between the two types.
The bottom of the page shows Clecos fasteners but at the top of the page is states that the pliers are Camlock.
jlv A&P1794124 over 40 years.

[chris4905]

We use to have a tool to turn those fasteners on the doors and hatches of F-4 Phantom aircraft aboard the carrier.  Haven't thought about that tool in years.  We carried it in a small sheath on our belts.  Try looking in military surplus outlets.

It has a handle about 6" long and on the end is a "half moon" rounded device, the thickness of the moon matches the slot in the fasteners.

Can't for the life of me remember what we called the tool.  Boy..........this is reaching back a few years !!!!!!  (1968-1972 VF-84 Jolly Rogers-USS Franklin D Roosevelt CVA-42)  Geez I'm old !!

Good luck finding the tool.

[chris4905]

Oh my gosh........I found it.  Haven't seen one of these in years.......

http://www.averytools.com/p-1075-2164-cobalt-drill-1ea.aspx

[Dreamscape]

I think Doug is looking for the correct tool to install the fastener, not the tool to turn it to open the door. He's been working hard to get his coach prepped for paint, I'm sure he'll respond to let us know.

[bevans6]

Dzus fasteners, no longer made by Dzus as the web site explains, come in many varieties and sizes.  Today, some of the larger sizes are no longer made.  They are usually either spring loaded so they pop out when undone (self-ejecting), or not spring loaded like the ones on my MCI.  They either are loose so they fall right out and you lose them, retained with a grommet or stud retainer, or you can get them pre-installed on a little panel that you rivet to your panel.  You then have to choose the correct wire spring, which also come in different sizes.  The combination of the different length studs and different offset springs allows you to  accommodate a wide range of panel thicknesses.  Here is a better explanation of how it works.  http://www.dfcis.com/st-1200calc.html

all the retaining grommet is is a tapered conical washer that you put over the inside of the stud and squish flat.  I have usually used a punch or a screw driver or a pair of pliers if the thing is close the the edge.  I don't have a tool, but there may well be one.  Other companies make copies, but I like to buy from the original guy.

Edit:  I found this page with the actual proper tools.  http://www.dfcis.com/install/sloval.html

Brian

[luvrbus]

Doug, I use a Vical Kwik-Set sells for 15 bucks you can buy the knock off at HF for around 8 bucks and I think but not sure it is a # 4 for steel not the one for brass.



good luck

[Doug1968]

Fellows,

I have been working hard on the bus and I haven't had much free time in the last few days to chase down these tools. I have printed all of the attached suggestions and will post what I come up with for a solution.

I'll be back to everyone in a few days. Headed for Bus-N-Usa on Friday.

Thanks,

Doug