Jet Tech: Lockwire

[@phuturephunk]

I've learned more about fasteners tonight than I have in the last 15 years.

[@billy-joes6851]

phuturephunk who would have thought that learning about fasteners could be so much fun .

[@0xDreamy]

This guy is still responding to comments, what an absolute legend.

[@crlourenco88]

You know you are doing it right when you stop watchign airplanes movies and start watching how fabulous is the work that aircraft mechanics do to make us go safe in the air. Nice job!

[@revengefullobster4524]

I would never have thought that I would sit through a 20 minute vid of safety wiring... One of the best skills I learned in the AF. I still use it for many things. Nice vid!

[@tacsystems5621]

I love it when things are explained so utterly complete that it leave nothing to ambiguity.

[@brucemorton13]

I used to do that job while working for General Electric on their jet engines in 1970. At least once a year since then I've wished I still owned "wire pliers". You explained the process very well. Thanks for reviving the old memories.

[@brucemorton13]

P.S. I guess Safe-T-Cable hadn't been invented yet. ;-)

[@dsan94]

You know you are a masochist when you get off a 12 hour shift safety wiring inside an APU bay on a fighter and come home to watch videos of some dude safety wiring.

[@joshpavelich5235]

hol up... fighters have APUs??

[@JingleBop]

@@joshpavelich5235 Almost all jet aircraft have APUs...

[@joshpavelich5235]

@@JingleBop Perhaps almost all Turbofan aircraft have APUs. Many, if not most, turboprop aircraft don't have them. They're a maintenance hassle and the main engines are small enough to start with electric starters. A lot of the Q400s here have them removed because they're unnecessary.

[@dsan94]

@@joshpavelich5235 wait, is that a serious question? The majority of modern fighters have an APU...

[@joshpavelich5235]

@@dsan94 I've never worked on a fighter, only turboprops and passenger jets. I assumed their engines were small enough they didn't need APUs. Also adds a lot of weight. Seems counter intuitive to me to have APUs on fighters, but I don't doubt that who ever is designing them knows much better than I do.

[@bote117]

I remember doing this when I was studying for a technician on (aviation) electrical systems and engine maintenance (an old career here in Mexico) and my final test was to lock every piece on an old 727 engine, using all the lockwire calibers, I had 2 hours to lock everything on that engine, my instructor did exactly what you did with that ruler, and he finally said "you did a good job, you got 10 out of 10" now I'm a pilot and I really enjoyed watching this video, greetings from Mexico.

[@AgentJayZ]

Every piece on a JT8-D? in 2 hours? No flipping way. Not with all the cocaine in the world. I'm chortling... ... at you. Cheers, mr. Pilot, sir!

[@bote117]

​@@AgentJayZ I know that souds crazy but trust me, we only had 2 hours to lockwire every lose piece on that JT8D-11 (or was it a 17 or 15? I don´t know) the airline where we did our test always was looking for personnel who could work under pressure, that´s why they only gave you 2 or 3 hours (if you were lucky) "to do all that you can", I know that souds impossible, but i´m telling you that this airline always want you to work under pressure

[@thecloneguyz]

@@bote117 Sounds like a company I wouldn't want to work for and an accident waiting to happen

[@thecloneguyz]

Never in my life have I rushed a job and then said that went great I'm going to do that again

[@kimmer6]

Thank you! Very educational. I watched it twice. I used to lock wire the gaseous fuel nozzle caps on inside General Electric industrial gas turbines by hand. There were never any real lock wire tools available where I was. Machines in Taiwan, Bahrain, Colombia, Venezuela, Saudi, Puerto Rico, and Prudhoe Bay Alaska all had my handy work and there was never a failure from loose parts. Everywhere I flew I took a roll of lock wire in my carry on bag. In the Venezuelan jungle there was a 4 hour ride by Jeep just to get new hack saw blades (let alone finding real lock wire). I learned lock wire techniques by looking at and copying lock wired flanges on an old J-79 laying in a field abandoned.....39 years ago! Your video walk around behind your shop reminded me of that place.

[@trespire]

Invest in some proper tools. If your profession requires lock-wire I would make certain I always have enough in my kit, & if I need a wire twisting plyer for the job so be it, I would buy it from my own pocket without hesitation, irregardless of my employer. I own 8000 US$ in tools, the quality of my workmanship & reputation comes first & formost. I can always take my skills & tools to a different employer.

[@TheChipmunk2008]

True of many industries, including aviation..."I think this looks the best"... showing pride in work, rather than just 'a job'. Real workmanship is a work of art.... and although I will NEVER need the skill shown in this video, it fascinated me, thank you!

[@endutubecensorship]

I am not an aircraft mechanic or a hobbyist that has had an opportunity to use safety wire however I found this to be interesting and enjoyable. Well done.

[@felixtusmcret.5896]

I spent 20 years as an avionics tech then Quality Assurance inspector on Marine Corps helicopters. I used to hate having to lock wire electrical connectors. After a while I developed speed and finesse with fewer mistakes. It was easy to spot the work of a novice vs a veteran. This is an excellent video. The examples would easily pass a Quality Assurance inspection.

[@MrMrtndmn]

Lol I have never seen anyone do it by hand smh

[@125brat]

​@@MrMrtndmnDuring my RAF Apprenticeship we were taught how to do it by hand and then once that was mastered we were allowed to use locking-wire pliers.

[@AgentJayZ]

Thanks, bud. Sorry for taking years to respond. I usually get notified of any comments, but there are a lot here I have not seem.

[@The13Boogyman]

As a 20 year USAF aircraft electrician there's a couple of points that should be made. We don't use loctite because generally you don't put loctite on stuff you plan to take apart frequently. 99% of maintainers call it safety wire not lock wire. The point of safety wire is not really to keep the bolt/nut tight; it's more to keep it from coming off and causing FOD. Torquing the bolt/nut is what keeps it tight. Safety cable doesn't get used in the field as much because the tool doesn't always fit or you have to go get the kit. Safety cable is great for bench work but, on aircraft, safety wire is in the end faster due to convenience.

[@AgentJayZ]

These points are all made in this video, but thanks. Always good to hear from people with real world experience, especially in military service. You can, and should check the GE overhaul manuals; they call it lockwire. The people that make it even put the name on the container: Lock wire... It's not a big deal, because both are correct, and everybody in the biz knows it. Still, it does get mentioned all the time.

[@Ruinah]

@@AgentJayZ Maybe it's an Army vs AF thing, but I was an AVNX tech for 9 years in the active Army and we called it lockwire everywhere I was stationed.

[@asymsolutions]

​@@Ruinah it is an AF vs army thing. And as far as the electrician part The13boogyman is def a spark chaser, because jets, hydro and crew chiefs all use loctite as well as safetywire as loctite acts as an anti-seize. Go into any jet troop hazmat and you'll find the red shit in it. It is a requirement on carbon brake jobs on 135's as you'll sheer bolts (after giving yourself a workout and then calling for a lowpack). Also using loctite or antiseize on everything undercarriage on cars is common especially in the north, because blue loctite is easier to work through than rust and will leave your hardware threads preserved for re-use and help in preventing sheering.

[@davidshaq1571]

As a US Army aircraft maintainer, I don't know anyone who calls it safety wire its always been lock wire. There are a few things that we us Loctite on quite frequently. I have never seen safety cable on my airframe. Maybe its just a USAF vs Army thing. PS I don't know if you get to actually use the lock wire pliers that spin it for you but I have never once been allowed to touch them.

[@The13Boogyman]

@@davidshaq1571 It's definitely an army vs af thing. Just like we always called lacing tape string tie. I've heard army guys call it lacing tape and I know the book calls it that too but I never recall anyone in the af call it anything but string tie.

[@TexasLotteryFun]

Me: ahh time for bed Brain: Hey, let’s see what lock wire is

[@redapproves1330]

Same here lol! Need to get up in 4 hours...

[@CAPSLOCKPUNDIT]

Seeing this for the first time has its perks. At least you will be spared the experience of wrapping lockwire in your dreams.

[@slabbadanks5829]

I randomly watched this video years ago out of interest, with no practical use for the knowledge at all. Now I am modifying my car and having trouble sourcing the right sized locking hose clamps, so what pops into my head? Some old knowledge I had kicking around which was graciously shared by a fellow Canuck. Cheers.

[@jimmysparks315]

I've been lockwiring all my life (50 years) but i've never seen or even heard of cable ties... Ya learn something every day !!

[@seanpower1090]

27 years for me. First time seeing these.

[@UHK-Reaper]

Cable is the shit!! We hardly use it at my current company because its expensive but when I worked UAV's that's all we used.

[@ruleram1]

These random bits of logic can be applied to all walks of life. Thank you for the video.

[@alboreland5949]

I have my FAA airframe practical exams coming up, it's been awhile since I did safety wire work as a classroom lab assignment so your video really helped me jog my memory on how to do this correctly. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain it.

[@piercemccall9291]

easy when youre flat on a bench. I had to do some reaching through a tiny hole, through a head that I cant see without a mirror, one handed, and getting skydrol all over my face and neck the whole time. that was yesterday and needed to be done by 330 pm. lol. best job i ever had!

[@Locutis9]

KZbin had this pop up in my feed, and I watched all of it. I know nothing related to aviation or engine repair but found this fascinating!

[@TheOfficialDaBoogaloo]

This is a video I watch all of the time and have no idea why as I've never needed too and probably never will need to use any of these techniques. I think it's just a really well made and informative video.

[@AgentJayZ]

Thanks!

[@msamour]

Hello, In the last 20 years, I've asked many hardware and tool stores for Lockwire pliers and everyone looks at me like I'm Zaphod Beeblebox. I have been looking for a new pair to replace the ones I lost 15 years ago. Thanks for confirming i'm not crazy.

[@AgentJayZ]

The 9-inch ones, that are too big for the work I do, are available in many hardware stores for about 50 bucks or so. Surprised you haven't seen them. They are often called WTR-9. I use several different versions of the WTR-6, made by different companies. They are available from the guys in the tool trucks for about 100 bucks ( 150 in Canada ). Neither of these are difficult to find. If you plan on using them often, I suggest paying more for the good ones. I personally do not enjoy using cheap tools.

[@msamour]

@@AgentJayZ I will definitely have a look. Thank you for the information!

[@Tadesan]

Brox

[@NiqIce]

Someone in another comment said they’re also called “Safety wire pliers” Use that info as you will

[@msamour]

@@NiqIce I found a pair locally this week. I have to put some wire mousing on a couple outboard engines. Thanks.

[@SickWitIt1929485]

Love safety wiring. Didn’t like it in school but now that I do it in aerospace I’ve grown to love it 🚀🚀

[@johnvrabec9747]

My old boss from 20+ years ago was a USAF flight line tech and he showed me how to safety wire properly. This is a good skill any mechanic should know, you never know when you might need it.

[@CraterLakey]

So weird. I just started safety wiring my motorcycle for the track and then this video pops up from 12 years ago and is getting love from the algorithm...

[@AgentJayZ]

If you watch this vid, you will know more about safety lock wire than the tech people do. When I was racing my SV650 (got vids on that), the tech inspectors were just looking to see if the wire connected this to that. Now you know how to do it like a jet engine mechanic does!

[@msamour]

Actually, it's not weird at all. Last night I was talking to my wife about lock wiring the engine mount bracket so the motor doesn't come undone while cruising down the river. I know the Google company is listening to me. This video came on my suggested list today.😂

[@archerprochaska1871]

I would just like to thank you for this very informative demonstration of lock wire. I am a 16 year old who is enrolled in an aircraft maintenance class at a technical school. So far, I've seen that your videos are beyond helpful and very interesting nonetheless. Thanks again; you've definitely earned a subscribe from me.

[@towtruckaj]

"If i were flying a plane I would want the lock wire done this way" This is exactly how all people should think, If it were we would have infinitely better products, My father is a mechanic and someone dropped of a car to be repaired, their children drive the vehicle as well, And my father said "Well, Personally I would not fix this vehicle for my children, I can fix it, But I wouldn't want my kids driving it" Because it had a warped frame or something like that I don't remember the specifics, And that is how it should be, You should never make a product, Or provide a service, That you wouldn't trust or use yourself.

[@megalamps123]

I have no idea why this video was recommended to me but I'm sure glad I saw it. fascinating info

[@FilthyManatee]

Not sure why this was recommend for me to watch, but I am always willing to learn something new, which I did.

[@joshmeyer7384]

Why are silicone jaws to capture nipped metal not standard on EVERY wire cutter? I love that idea, and I have never seen it anywhere else

[@AgentJayZ]

It's easy to make your own.

[@scremingwhisper1720]

I've only seen them on Japanese hobby cutters

[@leokimvideo]

Ah the memories when I was in the aircraft game, getting pricked by the lock wire and feeling the pain. Nice lock wire work is an art form in my mind. I always preferred a very used set of lock wire pliers, a new set just seemed too stiff

[@SuperSayinSolidSnek]

I know this comment is 7 years old, and I've never used lock wire, but I do use pliers every day. The way I loosen up new linesman pliers it's by dropping them flat on their side with the handles pulled open. Not sure why this works, but it loosens up my Klein's anytime I get a new pair that is a little sticky. I usually drop them on concrete from shoulder height.

[@richardabner9420]

agentjayz, I stumbled upon your videos looking up “how to safety wire for motosports”! After watching your 1st video on Jet Teck lockwire, I hadn’t realize all along lockwire skills was what I needed all these years. I had to watch your 4 lockwire videos right away. I just ordered some 0.032” ss wire and some small size cobalt drill bits, I have cutting oil and a nice small vice, and cutters. So now I’m looking over the lockwire pliers. Many levels of quality among them. Very good ones as you know are expensive. You get what you pay for. Well I plan to practice practice practice. Thanks again fog the great videos. Keep em coming.

[@chasejanousek5363]

We always called the lockwire pliers "swipes" in the Marines, it would have been amazing if we had the pliers with the silicon that you showed haha i will never forget losing chunks of safetwire or cotter pins as a new guy and spending hours on the flightline trying to find it.

[@Iowahurler82]

As per Navy regs when I got out in 07, no more than 3 fasteners can be lock wired together. Very nice work. I was an aviation structural mechanic on H60's in the Navy. The only time I used the gun for the cable was on primary servos, and bridge bolts. I work as a millwright now, I don't see lock wire much as I don't work on the turbines much, but every time it comes up, I get put on that job. I still have my 9 inch wire pliers from when I ran the tool program for my shop. They also work wonders for cotter pins and even work as a suitable substitute for MIG pliers.

[@kingdavewoody]

Great video. I work as a quality inspector for a company I choose not to name, and the standard of wire locking done by the technicians is abysmal. I'm going to show them your video to prove I just don't have impossibly high standards. The most important rule for me is to check your own work... if it's shit, do it again. Don't wait there hoping the inspector will pass your loose, anti-locked, or neutral lock wire :P

[@kingdavewoody]

I know exactly where you're coming from mate, I actually came from the British Army, but this company has adopted MSEP so I know in theory what I should do. Problem is the company is very political and QA actually has less power and influence than the technicians and their management. I have managed to get some TDVs in where people have blantantly violated tech data which I can objectively prove, but hand skills here area bit more wishy washy and they accuse me of trying to stop maintenance for no reason.

[@yorichiitsugikuni5503]

Im a 1st year AMT student. I failed at my Aircraft powerplant lab when my teacher made me do some safety wire twisting. So yeah helpful for me thank you

[@ianjamesii7044]

What else did he make you do? 🤔 Please respond and help a brother out

[@ianjamesii7044]

What will you be asked to do to get A&P liscense?

[@yorichiitsugikuni5503]

We started on wiring 2 bolts at first. I failed for I was not really familiar on how to hold and use the twister properly haha. On getting A&P license I dont really dont know it yet so I cant answer that hahaha forgive me

[@KingNast]

@@ianjamesii7044 I had to bend some hydraulic lines and I cut my tubing an inch short because I measured from the 1" mark on the ruler and forgot to add an inch. Doh! I guess I had to retake that practical exam. I don't really remember. They can ask you to do anything you've learned throughout the entire course. From Ohm's law to the correct way to splice a wooden spar. There are websites with sample questions, but you never really know what you're going to get.

[@gorp27]

This video went a long way in helping me to understand why air planes are not constantly falling out of the sky being that they are kept in service for so many years and are subjected to so much vibration as compared to machines that are operated on the ground where as if the engine stalls you just come to a stop.

[@kimberleythornhill6901]

The amount of maintenance that goes into them is truly incredible!

[@alisdairherd9501]

Only surpassed by the sheer stupidity that costs lives sometimes, China Airlines 611 springs to mind.

[@mormonboy25]

And that's why mechanics generally don't like pilots. We take so much time and care double and triple checking everything requiring a lot of technical knowledge, refferenceing manuals, as well as physical labor to keep everything running smoothly and in a couple seconds of complacency it can all be ruined. That and a lot of them happen to be arrogant and think they know better

[@HAMJR54]

Man this brings back memories ! I've worked on C5's , B-52's ,C 130's ,OV 10's and other aircraft . Done different skill levels on these aircraft from : electrical , sheet metal & structural sheet metal areas . Done a lot safety wire . Your hands say it all . I went to Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Ok . Good Memories.

[@bryankirk3567]

Jet engine Fuel Technician, Grade 1. Certified Mechanical Engineer. Government, Apprenticed, Mechanic, to include Cat and diesel. Your primary loops were slack. --- YOU are the best Jetman in the world.

[@joshmellon390]

I was an aviation structural mechanic in the Navy, and I STILL watched this to the end..... lol

[@randolphtorres4172]

Some history The larger tool ( wire twister) you are using my father invented when he was in the Army Air Core during WW II Frank Torres you can look up the patent. His reason was it was all done by hand prior taking a long time with this tool the aircraft could get back in service to fight hours sooner.

[@timtripp4222]

randolph torres I thank Your Father..... for inventing tool, but mostly for His service to Our Country. Not the biggest threat is from within.

[@back_to_the_couch]

i dont know why youtube recommended me this, but still watched it

[@kaylor87]

This video has been showing up on my recommended for literally months, and I've been avoiding it because I didn't know wtf it was about. Today, I finally clicked it. I still have no idea why it's been on my recommended, but I'm glad I did! Super neat, I had no idea something like this even existed. It totally makes sense though, that's genius! I wonder if my engineering friend learned about this "Lockwire" technology... I will probably never have a need for this content, or ever use lockwire myself, but that's okay haha. Thank you for the great video!

[@AgentJayZ]

I'm glad to hear that. This is one of my true instructional videos. That's the purpose of the Jet Tech series.

[@Ruinah]

Thinking about lockwire reminds me of being in Iraq back when I was an avionics tech: I forget how it happened, but the screw holding one side of my glasses together came out. I managed to fix it a couple times, but one time it fell out into the desert sand, never to be seen again. I eventually went back to my shop, but didn't have anything small enough to replace it. Eventually, I notice the lockwire is thin enough to fit through the hole. I break out the needle nose and diag cutters, then: Bam! Glasses fixed! That lockwire held until I got a new pair of glasses back home in the states...

[@adampindell]

Thank you my ingenuitive sir! Without bubblegum and duct tape (and lock wire), surely, we would all perish 😉

[@peesweezy4553]

Yup my glasses are held with wire as well, lol

[@absalomdraconis]

Meanwhile, I just started gluing screws.

[@JKTCGMV13]

I’ve been working with an old Space Shuttle Main Engine component and it’s got some lock wire on it. I always assumed it was to make it tamper-proof. I enjoyed seeing how it’s installed!

[@kalleklp7291]

Well, well..being a blacksmith and machinist myself I'll probably never get to use lock wiring. However, now I know how it's done the right way and the background for doing it like this. Thank's for a very informative instruction video on this subject. I enjoyed it a lot. :)

[@AgentJayZ]

Thanks. There aren't many in the Jet Tech series, but I have tried to make them as complete and accurate as I can... to teach a real skill that you will be using as an aircraft engine tech. Good luck!

[@timmermanneke5149]

The algorithm is back at it again.

[@pioneerAv]

Facts.

[@martijnellenbroek6448]

Jup😂😂

[@owenrook6467]

indeed it is

[@flashgordon6238]

The most lockwire I do now is on Harley-Davidsons! Mostly with 0.032 stainless. I was an Aviation Electronics Tech in the Navy, but did safety lockwiring on UH-1N helicopters as a Crewchief. There were some tight places to work in. After I got out I worked on Navy Target Drones with lockwire on electronic module bases, wing mounts and flight controls.

[@BMikeAD]

You should mention that the direction of the wire between the bolts is important. Could get a half turn out of the bolt if you string em backwards.

[@AgentJayZ]

If I need to tell people to stand on their feet instead of their face, they shouldn't be trying to walk.

[@BMikeAD]

@@AgentJayZ Well hopefully those hobbyists out there that are using your video to learn how to lock/safety wire can walk and don't stand on their face on some crucial components.

[@charliedee9276]

Great Video! I was a comm nav ecm tech on F16's many moons ago, (I worked on tail number balls one quite a few times!) Much of my lock wiring was on cannon plugs for wiring. Haven't done it in years until I built a Harley powered dragbike, pretty rusty but it came back to me.

[@trespire]

Once aerospace specs are ingrained it can't be unlearned. Although I haven't worked on flight hardware in many years, I can't help myself from adhering to the same high quality standards ! I get no end of complaints to work faster ! but it's always more efficient to do the job right in the first place. So does your drag bike have it's air worthiness certificate ??

[@fixins]

I don't know one bit about aviation mechanics nor machining nor almost anything to do with any of the skills demonstrated here. This was absolutely fascinating.

[@CAPSLOCKPUNDIT]

Lockwire is not just for securing hardware. It doubles as my third hand. I can't count the number of times I used it to temporarily suspend a hefty component for hands free mounting and installation.

[@ellijahsmith4445]

I’ll never forget installing safety wire on a main rotor gear box my first time as a new guy and still learning. I’d tell him I was done and he’d walk up with a flash light and wire snips.....spent an 8 hour shift doing two bolts lol. Good learning experience but god I had safety wire.

[@MinkieWinkle]

i work in aviation, I don't recommend the single strand with the crimped ferrule even with Boeing saying it is acceptable alternative. we always tend to twist lock, Crimp is easy yes. However, we tend not to use it as it is a single point a failure. if the line breaks then every fastener in the series is compromised. Furthermore, crimped, they do not take anywhere near as much force to break. try backing a crimped lock fastener out vs a twisted wire lock wire, the crimped one will break free with a fraction of the force.

[@quinnsd13]

With all the recent Boeing news, I don't think anyone should take their word on acceptable alternatives!

[@rogerpearson9081]

I never really looked into lockwire even though I have flown aircraft with it as an intrinsic part. Like most simple looking things, there is a lot more than you think from a casual glance.Thanks for taking the time to educate!

[@SnorreSelmer]

Ah, the memories.. I was an aviation mechanic in the Norwegian Air Force, so we had a class dedicated to lock-wire during training.

[@Jordan_C_Wilde]

4 o' clock and i'm watching a video about tightening bolts ... living the life guys ...

[@007RenaissanceMan]

I worked electrical on a-10s for 4 years, why did I watch the whole thing? Lol. Also we weren't allowed to back off more than one twist on safety wire without having to redo the wire. With a good eye you can spot when the new guy tries to pass one off on you, which brings out the side cutters and a grin haha.

[@wiav8r]

Great Video. Takes me back to my Air Force days of Safety wire on electronic component mounts and connectors. most connectors used .020 wire and mounting bolts used .032. I was super fast with .020 and usually did by hand in tight spaces. twist pliers always broke the .020

[@Chris-hx9ym]

Rust works on my old car, i can't undo the bolts after that!

[@GameboiX]

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Brushless 1" Impact Wrench

[@realrandom7666]

Lock-tight 40rust

[@MrJdsenior]

Jokes aside, the REAL RIGHT answer, if you have to remove a bunch of them is to get one of the inductive heaters that heats (mostly) only the bolt, and they usually come out easily after that, I think it expands the bolts a few tenths to and it breaks loosed after cooling...wont help with cross threaded stuff, but rusted and corroded it works better than anything else I've seen. You might even be able to rent one somewhere, don't know. There are YT vids to show how well they work. The one inch impact wrench was a joke, I think, because if they are REALLY rusted it will just break the bolts, then you are in a much deeper hole (get it?).

[@berryreading4809]

Just round up all your buddies old microwaves and make your own inductive heater! (not osha,nec, or ase approved) 😁👍

[@WilliamHernandez-hl7fw]

I am currently going through my Aviation Maintenance classes at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. This video is outstanding. Thank you. I learned a lot

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I followed up a brake rebuild for an old punch press and the dayshift guy finished the rebuild, all I had to do was lockwire all the bolts. There were 24 bolts in a circle about 18". I spent four hours locking all of them with one single wire. It was a masterpiece when I got done. The only problem was that all of the bolts were left hand threads and I locked them as right hand. They all got a good laugh at my expense. From then on I always verified the torque so I will catch things like that.

[@gtvon2556]

Incredible stupidity. :)

[@robertheinkel6225]

Oops. I would have done the same thing.

[@dennypollard8004]

I did pick up when you said to perform 8 to 10 twists per inch. This is what is taught for U.S. military and is in their standard hardware book 1-1A-8 T.O. However, for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for civilian aircraft the FAA AC 43.13-1B Chapter 7 Section 7 show 6 to 8 twist per inch. What the FAA AC does not state is for the larger size of wire the number of twists per inch is less. The older Standard Aircraft manuals will give you twists per inch for different diameter wire. Great video explaining the procedures and I don’t think the twist per inch makes that much difference except of FAA testing of mechanics.

[@dmsdmullins]

The aircraft manufacturer is ultimately the end-authority of how many twists, where wire is required, etc. They generally build them to Mil standards but the manufacture ultimately makes the standards.

[@TheWraithkrown]

Great informative video. Why did I watch this?!

[@AgentJayZ]

Maybe you are an interested non-professional. This video was made for you!

[@TheWraithkrown]

@@AgentJayZ I am definately not or have I ever been a professional (in anything except maybe being lazy). 15ish years ago when I was in the U.S. Navy I did a little bit of safety wiring (lock wiring). I wish I would have had someone who could have went through it as well as you did.

[@dwizzleusa4202]

Lol same here probably never use lock wire but I know how too now..

[@leokimvideo]

Nice to hear, I can relate to that. The other lovely stuff from the aircraft arena I think is A1 is the product Boeshield. It's properties of preserving metal is amazing. Very few people know about this product and it's tricky to purchase where I live.

[@CB-68-westcreations]

You could heat the wire then cool it, in order to restore its pliability. Not always safe, but can work in some cases. Work hardening is common in most metals. Annealing it restores it workability and prevents breakage. I know the hardening is helpful to a point. Just thought id share for a few who might not know. Great video.

[@GuzziIan]

Great video.Well explained, nice and clear image, no irritating music or commentary. I learned a lot from it and found out what I do wrong. Thanks!

[@hillarious2393]

OMG this channel exist more than 12 years!

[@AgentJayZ]

First vid was posted in 2007, so that makes me really old.

[@SLAUGHTYBAUDFAUST]

AgentJayZ thanks for best practices video on lock wire. My chevy header bolts don't come loose anymore because of lock wire. Originally saw video about 3 years ago. U came up in suggestions again. Wanted to say thanks even though u may never see comment.

[@willin2]

12 year old video, wow. That whole 8-10 twists per inch is for 0.032" safety-wire/lock-wire, though even then there is a slight variance depending on the reference you use/go by. For different diameter wire, there is a different "twists per inch", so do check. I'm sure all my Vet bros on here know the "trick" of tightening up the back end by circling the wire, instead of twisting the wire? To those who don't - give it a try. Works super good!

[@BurninBogey7]

Learned how to lockwire turbine engines at Ft Eustis School of Aviation in 97. Great stuff!

[@Livingstonshoedios]

working in industrial die-casting lock wire is the bane of my existence. drill a bolt. clime the machine, lock wire, usually hanging or squeezed at a odd angle. rinse, repeat

[@obfuscated3090]

An ancient classic tool for safety wiring where pliers cannot reach, and which is gentler to wire than any plier is a length of round mild steel rod with a hole (twice safety wire diameter plus comfortable clearance) drilled sideways through the end about 1/4" back from the tip. Radius the hole entrances slightly for convenient wire insertion and remove any burrs. This has also been done by modifying long screwdrivers but you must anneal the tip before drilling unless using carbide bits. "Cross" your wires through the hole as you would in pliers then slide the tool to desired depth. It was old when I first saw it at Moody in the '80s. Some users made theirs like a speed handle. Practice a couple of times on the workbench and you'll see how useful it can be for those bitch jobs where there's no room to spin pliers and you don't want to pull (or can't remove) the obstacles.

[@MrD1maS]

Can you make a video please. Thank you.

[@JustinCrediblename]

with modern harbor freight screwdrivers, you don't need to anneal the tip. oh, modern technology, how wonderous you are

[@obfuscated3090]

I don't have a decent camera and have never posted any videos, but all you have to do is drill a hole as described above, then cross your wires through the hole. You will instantly see how best to use it when you twist the tool! You can also anneal and drill a 1/4" drive extension then turn that with a speed handle. There are tons of custom safety wire tools made on the spot by mechanics. Experiment! Here's a fancy version with the holes on the end parallel to the shank and a taper behind them. Cheap too. www.wagaero.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/m/-/m-017-000.png

[@tomthomas4444]

I use to do this at tinker air force base back in the 70's on landing gear and steering mechanism and gear boxes on kc35s. Also did all buddies wiring on race cars and motorcycles. A requirement on motorcycle racers at Daytona 200 and other various races. Enjoyed the video very much brart back old memoirs.

[@docjkd1968]

Great video! Just started a GT program, and this was our first practical test. Also at BCIT (GT44).

[@AgentJayZ]

I was in GT19. I tried to make a better instructional video than what they showed us back then. How did I do?

[@lazystart]

Finally! A video on youtube showing not just one, but many ways to CORRECTLY safety/lock wire! Some other ones that I've seen (on an ultralight plane, no less) have been out right scary! Safety wire is used precisely as you demonstrated, not like a string o.o'

[@Threewulphmoon]

future AME here, just stumbled on your channel, this video is excellent. Looking forward to checking out the rest of your material.

[@lahrsean817]

after you make a twist. Do not untwist the wire if you go to far, that's a no go and compromises the integrity of the wire, it must be restarted

[@realityChemist]

I use lockwire at work! Not for locking anything though. I work with very high temperatures, and I find that it holds up extremely well to repeated exposure to 1100C in oxygen. It corrodes eventually, but it lasts a long time.

[@jfstg6039]

Wow!! The more I watch you showing me how to apply this wire the more I'm hypnotize. Maybe someone told you before, but you are really a Bob Ross of mechanics for jet engine. We can feel you enjoying what you do, the way you explain the technical you use to us express lot of patience and you seem to really enjoy sharing your knowledge! In this pandemic Covid 19 period we salute you !! :-) Cheer Agent Jay Z

[@happysawfish]

hypnotizeD

[@xxxxxxxx455]

You know what you are doing but you also explain it very easily and well. Thank you. I enjoyed the video.

[@jameswest8280]

First thing my flight instructor did, before I went up for the first time, was show me how to inspect every bolt and lock wire. It can be a real lifesaver.

[@jowenjv4463]

Lol I'm mechanic on Mirage 2000 since 2 years, and you learned me some tips on your video. Thanks, cheers from France

[@jowenjv4463]

@StOOk 8 oui

[@jowenjv4463]

@StOOk 8 Bien sur qu'on maitrise, là n'est pas la question, mais on s'y prends tous d'une maniere différente, et en ça on peu apprendre des autres deux-trois petites astuces de rien du tout mais qui sont toujours bienvenues

[@jowenjv4463]

@StOOk 8 alors je sais pas si il en existe. Cette video est très bonne dans tous les cas, les ptits trucs m'ayant été utiles sont surtout pour des endroits hyper exiguës où on te demande de freiner un écrou de bielle micrometrique alors que t'as meme pas la place de faire passer une clé à cliquet de 8x9 x). Au boulot on est censé suivre une documentation editée par Dassault pour les freinages comportant notament le nombre de spires par centimetre pour avoir la tension désirée mais au final (au fil du gain d'experience) on fait tout au feeling.. La quasi totalité de nos freinages les plus importants sont systématiquement controlés par des contrôleurs pratique pour nous. Au final je me suis rendu compte que les choses qui comptaient étaient les suivantes : bon sens ! Ben oui eviter de le faire à l'envers ce qui peu arriver tres vite sur une bielle micro par exemple etant donné qu'un des deux écrou a un pas inversé. Ensuite, bonne tension et bon nombre de spires par centimètres, je pense qu'il vaut mieux un peu moins de spires que trop et bien tirer sur la pince à freiner pour appliquer une bonne tension. Ensuite la queue doit être bien repliée, je me suis blessé à plusieurs reprises avec des queues de freinages mal rabattues. Eviter aussi les interferences avec la partie mediane du freinage. Beaucoup de clapets anti retours sont marqués de la sorte sur Mirage 2000 parceque le freinage etait en contact avec une partie du clapet, le fil de fer etant le plus souple, il bouffe le clapet qui se retrouve avec un beau tatouage. Je precise ca car si tu fait un freinage sur un bloc moteur par exemple ca serait con de le marquer. Ensuite sur les écrous héxagonaux, toujours amorcer ton sens de rotation de sorte à ce que la partie qui contourne l'écrou ne puisse pas glisser de celui-ci (je sais pas si j'me suis bien fait comprendre là par contre). Mais franchement tu peu suivre les conseils de cette video. Et je pense que tout ce que je t'ai dit tu le sais déjà. Freinage sur moto ? Tu fait de la piste ou de l'enduro non ?

[@jowenjv4463]

@StOOk 8 A la pince à freiner le pas sera constant, apres à la main c'est autre chose. En ce qui me concerne, nos deux seuls diametres de fil à freiner sont 0,6mm et 0,8mm. Il y a des fils plus fins sur certains equipements mais ils sont dispo seulement dans les ateliers spécialisés dans ces equipements. Pour un freinage sur bloc moteur j'irais sur du 0,8. Le 0,6 peut etre utile si il y a des risque d'interference avec le bloc par contre. Ca peu etre une bonne idée de pré-serrer tes vis et faire des reperes, mais en regle generale peu importe, tu pourra toujours te demerder au niveau de l'emplacement des trous. Hesite pas à faire un outillage d'entrainement comme sur la video c'est utile.

[@jowenjv4463]

@StOOk 8 de rien, bon courage à toi pour tes rallyes

[@Mgezee]

Sharing some Jet Engine Mechanic info, we call this lockwire, safety wire. 7 twist per inch. One inch on the pigtail. Btw, Nice twist with your hands! Great job

[@AgentJayZ]

Well, GE, Orenda, and AgentJayZ call it lockwire. And a long pigtail is OK, so long as it is tucked in. If the pigtail is straight, and if it draws blood from the inspector's fingers, it is a fail.

[@Mgezee]

@@AgentJayZ Understood. Just wanted to say that I wasnt trying to offend you if you took it that way. I actually complimented your work. Companies have different terminology. All means the same thing at the end of the day.

[@AgentJayZ]

Yes, sometimes I lock with safety wire, but then other days I feel more like safetying with lockwire.

[@EtherFox]

​@@AgentJayZ It's lock wire for people who can read English but most technicians, civilian or military, can't and they just go by word of mouth through entire careers and lifetimes. The documentation rarely ever agrees - except at garbage companies, of course.

[@seanwhite7532]

We have safety wire pliers in our tool boxes, but as a nuke troop, we were never allowed to use them. Everything is done by hand to get the correct twists per inch. The entire reentry system of a Minuteman III missile is loaded with safety wire. Mostly .020 and .032 diameter.

[@kielhofer]

Thanks for posting this, I knew the basics of locking wire but never knew the technical part of installing it, this has made it easier if I ever have the need to do it.

[@yewwowduck]

Man, this stuff was hard to get down, but when you get it right it feels so good.

[@anotherdave5107]

We used to send newbies to the tool crib for fun stuff like flightline, cable stretchers and a fallopian tube. Every now and then they'd cross paths with a tool crib newbie and come back with a safety wire twisting tool that neither knew the purpose of.

[@Techburn997]

I like to think that somewhere in the world there must be one time where a newbie asked to get all three of the items came back with some lockwire, twist pliers and the mechanics wife.

[@anotherdave5107]

@@Techburn997 - they usually came back with parachute cord, a safety wire twisting tool and a slap across the face.

[@joebessette6565]

On the rigs they get sent to the boiler for a bucket of steam or to the consultant to get the key for the v door

[@lewisarmstead3271]

Don't forget a bucket of ohms.

[@bobmcgrath1272]

I was an aircraft technician (airframes) on fast jets in the RAF. I miss wirelocking until I actually think about it! Can be a proper nightmare of a job with limited access

[@gerald4027]

I liked saftey wiring to untill my safety mgr put me in charge of all wiring. I hated the 042 saftey wiring in -20°f weather.

[@gerald4027]

I use jb weld and a welder.

[@125brat]

As an ex split-brain rigger/sootie, I did likewise in some god-awful hard to reach places on 4-jets and Tonkas but now still do it occasionally on my own plane.

[@TalonNismo]

Used to do this in the USAF when I worked on the the A-10 thunderbolt II. Brought back memories seeing this.

[@AgentJayZ]

The most specialized... and best... aircraft ever!

[@MrJdsenior]

@@AgentJayZ For SOME things. Definitely NOT for others. They keep trying to retire the thing, and it keeps getting NOT retired. Says a lot.

[@Victorsadventures2774]

Agreed, It so refreshing to see an informative video on here that doesnt look like its been filmed by someone standing on a wobbleboard

[@dougankrum3328]

..Thumbs up....I've been using this stuff for nearly 50 years on my Harleys....a 46 Knuckle, and a 72 Sportster....people used to call them Milwaukee Vibrators.....the 'new' Evo Harleys are pretty smooth by comparison.....

[@Calaban619]

oof- watching this video gave me PTSD flashbacks of a rather nasty injury I suffered as electrician on B-52's: I was lockwiring the connector for the heater blanket of the main aircraft battery, and while pulling the wire tight for the first twist- the wire bounced around and brushed across both pins of the Battery connector posts.. and with the 24V, 40 amp/hours of that rather serious battery, the entire length of wire promptly lit up like a lightbulb element, while tightly gripped in both hands... Yeahh.... melted right into both palms... the peeling of the wire out of my hand callouses still haunt me [shudder]

[@UHK-Reaper]

Dam

[@spawnandbatman6975]

Sikorsky was a very smart man. Safety wire in army aviation has to be 100% perfect. I get to do this just about every day

[@omnivora1465]

S61a-4 technician here 😉

[@terrypen]

Nice video. In the Army, we were told not to cross wires over each other (in the aviation style you did.) We always did the "D" style, and I rarely used safetywire pliers. I used duckbills to tighten the initial twist out of the bolts, to make them tight, and never jerked the wire. We were told that would significantly change the tensile strength of the wire with work hardening. I also remember the twists being 6-8 twists per inch, is that not true anymore? I'm pretty sure I could still find that number in manuals online. Always hated the .041 wire!

[@terrypen]

Found it. AC 43.13-1B Page7-20, says 6 to 8 tpi. I don't see anything about wire crossing over like we were told.

[@AgentJayZ]

I think the thicker the wire, the fewer twists per inch, eh? I agree that tugging on the wire stiffens it, and the D style is much easier to remove for service. What equipment did you use safety wire on? Cool to hear from one with experience!

[@dockevorkian8251]

I worked on UH-1H helicopters with T53-L13 engines? I think that was the nomenclature of the engine. It's been a couple(ok maybe 20) years ago. Might be on the twists per inch.. like I said it's been a while! I thought that the 6-8 was on .032 safety wire. Thinking about getting my A&P, trying to find my paperwork for my training in the Army.

[@gearhead53704]

Used to race laydown enduro karts... Lockwired/Safetywired everything... becomes a Zen thing... Really nice explanation!

[@DScottDuncan]

Thanks Jay for reminding me of this video. All questions answered here & I will be on the lookout for some aviation type, reversing pliers. I have bolts in the exhaust nozzle housing, around the turbine bearing that are in tight spots & now I see why some wires were twisted counter clockwise. My pliers are military surplus like that basic pair you had, using very fine teeth, not waves to grip. Thanks for the help! DD

[@apexmcboob5161]

When I road raced motorcycles it was mandatory to have all drain plugs lock wired. At Ohio one year the tech inspector ordered me to remove the .051 stainless aircraft wire and replace it with some "nass thick bailin' wahr". It was pointless to argue with this moron so I replaced it as instructed, got my tech sticker and promptly put the .051 back on! I had most of the fasteners on my bike drilled; it was a useful calming exercise before a big race to get all the lockwire perfect.

[@AgentJayZ]

0.051 seems like a lot of extra work! I always used .032, except for stuff that had to come off for every inspection. I used .025 for that.