Never too late to learn

[DonMuncy]

I've been safety wiring things for over 40 years. Reading EAA's Sport Aviation magazine this month, I find that when safetying more than two bolts, nuts, etc., in series, the recommended procedure is to use alternating clockwise and counter-clockwise twists. I couldn't believe it, as all the safety wire pliers I have seen only twist clockwise. I looked in the FAA Aircraft Inspection and Repair procedures, and, sure enough, that is the correct procedure. And yes, you can buy reversible safety wire pliers. As seldom as I do "three or more" in series, I think I will pass on buying a new tool.

[Mcstealth]

I have owned or used maybe 10 different safety wire pliers. All during my racing career. Not one do I think were reversible.

Thanks for the knowledge.

df

[Jerry 5TJ]

Yes, there are reversing pliers.  I don't have a pair, either.

https://www.grainger.com/product/PROTO-Wire-Twist-Plier-10G681?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/10G681_AS01?$smthumb$

 

[KSMooniac]

I got a pair a while ago...of course I'm a tool junkie though.

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

[Hank]

I'm too cheap to pay t h email ~$90 price on the only one I've seen, considering how often I'd use it. My A&P has one, though. 

 

[cliffy]

I'm old school, what are safety wire pliers? :-)

I learned without using them. 

[DonMuncy]

I learned to do it by hand first. It is not difficult and actually is easier in that you don't wind up with too long a twisted section and have to start over. But if space is really limited, like it seems like it always is, safety wire pliers are a god send. And faster too.

[Andy95W]

22 hours ago, cliffy said:

I'm old school, what are safety wire pliers? :-)

I learned without using them. 

Same here.  The IA I worked for taught me to do it by hand.  Had to re-do my first attempt 3 times until my fingers were sore.  A few days later I saw him safety wiring with a weird looking set of pliers.  Asked what kind of tool it was.  He showed it to me and said, "Safety wire pliers. You should get yourself one."

He wanted to make sure I could do it right by hand before letting me "cheat". 

Thanks, Sam.  You taught me a lot.

[Yetti]

Just learning the ways of the safety wire.   The conversation went like this.  How are they.  Will they work?   Yes they will work, but we don't want other shops to think we did that.  OK let me cut them off and redo them.   Get them tight is what I keep hearing.