Safety Lock Wire or Stainless Steel Wire is a type of positive locking device that prevents fasteners from falling out due to vibration and other forces. The presence of safety wiring may also serve to indicate that the fasteners have been properly tightened.
Safety wire is available in a variety of gauges and materials, depending on the application. In aircraft and racing applications, stainless steel wire is used, such as in 0.032 in (0.81 mm) diameter. Typically, the wire is threaded through a hole drilled into a fastener or part, then twisted and anchored to a second fastener or part, then twisted again.
A safety lock wire is used to ensure proper security for a fastener. The wire needed is long enough to reach from a fixed location to a hole in the removable fastener, such as a pin — a clevis fastener, sometimes a linchpin or hitch-pin through a clevis yoke for instance — and the wire pulled back upon itself, parallel to its other end, then twisted, a single end inserted through a fastener, and twisted again, possibly then anchored to a second fastener or other part, then twisted once again, having excess slack pulled relatively taut to be secure. The two ends of the wire-loop thus formed are joined by twisting them together with a tool, using enough twists to be secure, then released from the twisting tool. The removable fastener — possibly a nut, wing nut, turnbuckle, a bolt or a pin similar to a bolt — having a hole through a part of it that will remain accessible when it is fastened in place will be secured with the wire passing through it. When finished, any excess length of wire would be cut off with a pair of wire cutters, such as pliers that may, also, be the twisting tool. If the fastener part to be secured does not come with a hole for the safety wire, one may need to be drilled.
Safety wire is not reusable, thus it can be cut apart in order to remove it easily when the fastener is to be opened.
T302 / 304 Stainless Steel provides good corrosion resistance and can generally be used in temperatures up to 700° F (371° C). Safety/Lock Wire is tempered wire used in many industries to secure nuts, bolts, and hardware subject to vibration. It offers greater security than a cotter pin or lock washer, and can also be used for numerous jobs around the home, farm, auto, and factory. Available in a convenient 1 lb. plastic dispenser with screw-on lid and belt clip and 5 lb spools.
Inconel 600 is a corrosion resistant alloy that can withstand higher temperatures than stainless steel and Monel. It can be used for general lock wire up to 900° F (482° C). Note: at temperatures between 800° – 900° F (427° – 482° C) the tensile can begin to decrease.
Oxidized Inconel 600 is a corrosion resistant alloy that has a special gray-blue finish for identification purposes to distinguish it from stainless steel and Monel. Use Oxidized Inconel for general lock wire at temperatures up to 900° F (482° C). Note: at temperatures between 800° – 900° F (427° – 482° C) the tensile can begin to decrease.
Monel 400 is a nickel-copper alloy that provides maximum corrosion resistance compared to stainless steel. Monel is considered “non-sparking”, which is a unique distinction over traditional stainless steel. This is ideal for locations where you don’t want a spark such as around fuel systems. Use Monel 400 for general lock wire temperatures up to 700° F (371° C).
Copper Wire 110 is generally used as break-away lock wire for affixing parts that must be secure under vibration, but which need to be accessed quickly. These wires can be broken or sheared with minimal effort, and allow faster unlocking than stainless steel and other alloys. Generally not for use in high temperature applications.
Brass C260 – Pilots and aviation engineers utilize brass breakaway wire for everyday maintenance jobs. Although strong and durable, brass wire can be broken or sheared with minimal effort, and allow faster unlocking than stainless steel and other alloys. Generally not for use in high temperature applications.
Kits – Each Lanyard Kit contains a 30 ft (9.2 m) spool of 1×7 Nylon Coated Stainless Steel wire 60 lb (27 kg), 25 copper crimping sleeves, Deluxe Crimping & Cutting Pliers, and detailed instructions all inside a convenient storage box. Available in two configurations: Black Wire/Crimps and Bright Wire/Crimps.
Tools – Special, econo-priced tool designed to attach wire rapidly and consistently. Simple one-pull action and automatic return twists wire quickly into a strand that will not unravel. Tool can also be used as a soft wire cutter. Hardened and tempered. Choose from the 8¼” (21.6cm) or the 10½” (26.7cm).
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