How to Use Lockwire Pliers

Engine bolts often have to be locked in place with a wire.

The vibrations in powerful engines, like in aviation, will often cause the bolts that hold the engine's parts together to fall out. Safety wire connects multiple bolts together, so that the bolts cannot loosen because they are tied together. In order to work properly, the wire needs to be spun around itself. Lock-wire pliers, often called safety wire pliers, are used to spin the wire.

Instructions

1. Wrap the wire around the head of the bolt that you need to lock in place. Use an even amount of wire around each side of the bolt, so that the two ends are the same length. If you have drilled a hole in the bolt, make sure that the wire is going through the hole.

2. Bring the wire ends together and close the head of the pliers around them. Push the handles of the lock-wire pliers together to lock them in place. You will feel the internal mechanism lock the pliers closed. Some pliers may have a latch on the piece between the handles that you need to push toward the head to lock the pliers.

3. Place both hands on the knob at the back of the pliers and pull back. As you pull back on the knob, the pliers will rotate and the wires will twist together. Push the knob back down to release the tension and pull it out again to further twist the wires. Continue this process until the wires are fully twisted.

4. Press the handles of the pliers together to release the lock. On some pliers you may need to pull the latch in the middle of the pliers to release the handles.

References

• Ultralight News: Safety Wire, Where and How to use it on Ultralight, Experimental Aircraft and Amateur Built Aircraft
• RC51.org: How to Safety Wire your Bike
• Byron Bay Gliding Club: The Use of Lock Wire