Difference between revisions of "Safety Wire"
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[[File:Safetywire.jpg|right|middle|thumb|Examples of Safety Wiring]] | [[File:Safetywire.jpg|right|middle|thumb|Examples of Safety Wiring]] | ||
| − | '''Safety wire''' is as a positive retention strategy for [[Threaded_Fasteners|bolts]] in blind holes. | + | '''Safety wire''' is as a positive retention strategy for [[Threaded_Fasteners|bolts]] in blind holes. The thin [[Steel|steel]] wire stops the rotation of the bolt by threading through holes in the bolt-heads. After threading the wire through the bolt-head, twisting the wire tightens it and keeps it in place. Routing the wire around the head of the bolt in the direction of tightening (typically clockwise, or in a 'Z' shape) keeps the wire under tension throughout vehicle operation. If it is routed in the wrong direction, the wire will lose tension and be unable to retain the fastener. |
| − | On occasion, safety wire can be used in conjunction with other positive locking mechanisms, but it is not advised to safety-wire a bolt that is retained by a nut. | + | On occasion, safety wire can be used in conjunction with other positive locking mechanisms, but it is not advised to safety-wire a bolt that is retained by a nut, as the wire may stop the bolt from moving while allowing the nut to move, facilitating failure. |
| − | + | In technical inspection, safety wire is judged differently by each inspector. A general rule of thumb is that it should be tight and look like a 'z'. If it looks like an 's', it is wound incorrectly for a right-hand threaded bolt. Technical inspectors generally will pass minor errors, such as untucked ends, overtightened or under-tightened twists, incorrect twist direction, etc. | |
[[Category:Fasteners]] | [[Category:Fasteners]] | ||
Revision as of 13:34, 10 January 2023
Safety wire is as a positive retention strategy for bolts in blind holes. The thin steel wire stops the rotation of the bolt by threading through holes in the bolt-heads. After threading the wire through the bolt-head, twisting the wire tightens it and keeps it in place. Routing the wire around the head of the bolt in the direction of tightening (typically clockwise, or in a 'Z' shape) keeps the wire under tension throughout vehicle operation. If it is routed in the wrong direction, the wire will lose tension and be unable to retain the fastener.
On occasion, safety wire can be used in conjunction with other positive locking mechanisms, but it is not advised to safety-wire a bolt that is retained by a nut, as the wire may stop the bolt from moving while allowing the nut to move, facilitating failure.
In technical inspection, safety wire is judged differently by each inspector. A general rule of thumb is that it should be tight and look like a 'z'. If it looks like an 's', it is wound incorrectly for a right-hand threaded bolt. Technical inspectors generally will pass minor errors, such as untucked ends, overtightened or under-tightened twists, incorrect twist direction, etc.
