Cool Safety Wiring

[Gun Doc]

Not bad, but as a former aircraft technical inspector, I would had to have failed this particular safety. The initial loop though the bottom fastener should have been at the bottom of the bolt head - The two sections of wire should not touch. Also 6-8 twists per inch is what you are looking for with about a 1/2 " "pigtail" at the end that should be bent back into the bolt head. This keeps it from snagging on things, like your skin! All in all not a bad attempt and a good way to keep things tight. Did you use safety wire pilers, or was this done by hand?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Gun Doc

Not bad, but as a former aircraft technical inspector, I would had to have failed this particular safety. ... Did you use safety wire pliers, or was this done by hand?

Hmmm, not surprised -- I was told from an early age that I was not cut out for the military. I used my safety wire pliers (same ones I use on my spinners).

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Gun Doc

Not bad, but as a former aircraft technical inspector, I would had to have failed this particular safety. The initial loop though the bottom fastener should have been at the bottom of the bolt head - The two sections of wire should not touch. Also 6-8 twists per inch is what you are looking for with about a 1/2 " "pigtail" at the end that should be bent back into the bolt head. This keeps it from snagging on things, like your skin! All in all not a bad attempt and a good way to keep things tight. Did you use safety wire pilers, or was this done by hand?

I think I see. But will this version be any less effective?

[Gun Doc]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

I think I see. But will this version be any less effective?

For this particular application? No. I was pointing out general safety wire "rules" that could cause the safety to indeed be less effective, depending on what the safety is securing. You don't want two pieces of the wire to touch, because vibration can cause the wire to weaken and eventually fail. Same with the number of twists per inch. Twisted too tightly can cause stress on the wire and lead to failure. A pigtail that is not curled back into the fastener, or out of the way can snag on moving parts, or you. This forum to for sharing information. I think Patrick did a fine job for someone who hasn't done a lot of safety wiring. In this case, I highly doubt any of the things I pointed out would lead to any problems, except maybe catching a finger on the pigtail. My comments were not meant as criticism, just general knowledge for the group.

[patrickt]

Rest assured, I disregard pretty much everything other than posts that say "Patrick is wonderful and knows everything there is to know about everything."

[R&B back]

Spdbrake and Patrickt,
That safety wire looks very nice. But why spend the time safety wiring things like brake, steering and shifting components when you can spend the time for this?

This way, when I pull into the pits in my make believe race, my make believe quick jack will be there!

[patrickt]

You know, I actually kind of like that.

[S1965C]

Originally Posted by Gun Doc

Not bad, but as a former aircraft technical inspector, I would had to have failed this particular safety. The initial loop though the bottom fastener should have been at the bottom of the bolt head - The two sections of wire should not touch. Also 6-8 twists per inch is what you are looking for with about a 1/2 " "pigtail" at the end that should be bent back into the bolt head. This keeps it from snagging on things, like your skin! All in all not a bad attempt and a good way to keep things tight. Did you use safety wire pilers, or was this done by hand?

Patrick, I believe you should re-do this and report back here with the improved version. You are far too meticulous to let this go and we all know you are losing sleep after reading this expert inspector's evaluation.

[Gun Doc]

Originally Posted by S1965C

Patrick, I believe you should re-do this and report back here with the improved version. You are far too meticulous to let this go and we all know you are losing sleep after reading this expert inspector's evaluation.

Like I said in the original response; not a bad attempt for someone who probably doesn't have a lot of experience in safety wiring. I pointed things out for the good of the group. Some safeties are applied to critical areas and if not done correctly could fail. Was this one? Of course not.