Where to find panel lockdowns

[Zakk]

Just wondering if there is a simple place I'm overlooking to find the control panel clasps.  I've tried auto places, fastener specialists, and automotive/marine stores.  I'm almost thinking of snooping around wallmart (hey you never know).  Conversely, what is an easy way to make the "L" brackets that the clasps attach to?  I have an abundance of the clasps, but a lot of them were from metal control panels that had the brackets welded in.  I don't want to just bend some steel and drill holes...I'd like a little bit more professional look to it, any help??  

[OSCAR]

These are the best panel clamps I've used:

http://www.wicothesource.com/new2/pages/page15.htm

The "eye" portion of the clamp has a threaded end, so you can adjust the tension by screwing the eye in or out.  That also makes them much more flexible for installation and you don't have to be really careful how you position them when you screw them down.  You can purchase the strike plates separately, flat or 90deg for $.40 each.  The clamps themselves are $3 each.

I don't care for the Happ ones because they rely on spring tension and that means you have to install them just right, and even then I've had to go back and periodically adjust them to keep them tight.

[Zakk]

I should have known you'd be helpful

That is an awesome idea, as you and I know how damn hard it is to reposition those screws 1/8 of an inch back in a piece of wood...argh!  I've never ordered from Wico (too many horror stories from a couple years back).  I'll drop you an e-mail later to get the lowdown on their ordering proceedures.  Thanks again Kelsey, I KNEW they were'nt just down at the local radio shack or something, it was driving me nuts!

[OSCAR]

Wico isn't always the easiest to deal with.  I still have discrepancies on nearly every order, so you really have to stay on top of them.  It's almost *work* to get an order processed through them without trouble.  I could go on with all my own horror stories...  

I'm not sure who handles your region (Canada), but try to get Andrea in sales, she's about the only one I've talked to that knows what's going on.  Be careful if you talk to Charles, he has messed up almost every order that I've placed through him.

Wico does carry some very nice stuff that you can't get anywhere else and their prices are very attractive on some items, so that's why I still continue to order through them.  It's like rolling dice, though...  


...Oh, forgot to add.  I wouldn't order online through them.  Who knows what you will get.  I ordered a coin door last week and I had to talk to Charles (Andrea was out), and he told me that they didn't carry the part number I gave him.  I had to tell him what page in their catalog it was on...  (Pages flipping in the background)  "Oh, here it is, I guess we do have that!"   And he misquoted the price to me, too...  

[CanStick]

Hi there,

I have ordered from Wico and had it delivered to Canada.  The sales guy that looked after me was Elias.

Needless to say, I received everything I ordered, with absolutely no mistakes.

Also, for shipping, have them use standard USPS shipping.  He hunted around for me, and found that to be the best price.  It took less than a week to get to me too, so not bad at all...

Hope this helps!
Terry.

[Zakk]

Hello fellow Londoner, I didn't even know I had any local competition  Maybe we'll hook up sometime for a beer and swap some ideas!