Safety Wire Twister

[TJ_Slice]

My 5 kit calls for and supplies hardware that will have to be safety wired when installing the gascolator, so I am reviewing my options.

Safety wire twisters have a large range of prices. Is this something where the $35 one will do fine, or should I splurge for a more expensive one?

Should I consider a kit with both a 6" and 9" twister?

[gregc]

Pretty much a personal choice. Some factors:
- they are a convenience and are faster but you can always do it by hand
- inexpensive ones are certainly acceptable
- you will use them often for as long as you have an airplane, a typical aircraft engine has a lot of safety wired parts
- better tools are generally a good investment
- more expensive ones are often reversible

[TJ_Slice]

Thanks, that pretty much confirms what I was thinking, which was not to cheap out on this one.

[Bcone1381]

Get the small size. I wish there was a 3" version. Safety wiring firewall forward is space constrained.

[TJ_Slice]

Thanks, I'll do that.

[geraldmorrissey]

I think they are a waste of money, sort of like rivet removal tools. Get some wire and a pair of pliers, grind off the serrations and learn to wire by hand. See AC 4313-1b for details. Building airplanes is about learning new skills. Good luck.

[TJ_Slice]

I agree, but I'm all for easy. My old brain doesn't learn quite as fast as it used to. (If at all)

[geraldmorrissey]

I would not call using those things "easy". If your determined to buy them, get used. My guess is a want add will bring many responses.

[Viking]

I’ve been using safety wire pliers almost daily for the last 25 years. I find the cheap ones to be annoying to use, and really low quality. For occasional use, you can make them work. Personally, I’m one of the “buy once cry once” kind of people, and I’d rather spend more on a quality tool that I can count on for a long time. With that said, Milbar makes the best safety wire pliers to be had at any price. I have several pairs, different sizes and styles, reversing and non reversing. If I had to only have one pair, it would be their 11W model. 6” non-reversing. They are small enough to get into engine compartments and other tight places. I don’t think you can wear them out. I have a pair that I got in A&P school 20 years ago that are still in daily use with no trouble. The reversible ones are nice for some jobs occasionally, but the reversing mechanism can be easy to foul up. The 9” pair I have, I pretty much only use for .040 safety wire on propellers. The 6” pliers work fine for .040 wire as well, but I think the 9” handles the big wire better. Aircraft Spruce sells the 11W model for $113, which to me is a small price to pay for a tool that you won’t likely wear out in your lifetime. https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...s/12-00914.php

[TJ_Slice]

Thanks for the input. I am placing the order today, so it was good timing.

[fairchild1934]

I have all ways heard that it is good to grind off the serrations so the gripping surfaces are smooth--- so you dont damage the wire.

[Bcone1381]

Another data point. I did not know about Milbar when I bought mine and got them from Aircraft Tool. I used them as is. They are used a lot. They are "broken in" now and I can squeeze the wire and activate the lock with one hand. I've never had the wire slip or give way from the locked jaws. We adapt.