Safety Wire 101: Uses and Types and Top Picks
Safety wire come in various types, but their use is standard: to secure mechanisms and equipment. Read our top picks of the best safety wire.
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Safety wire is a metal cable with loops at each end. It’s used to tie down bolts on machinery, aircraft, and more. Safety wires are made from a durable material that will not break or give way when tension is applied to them, making them easy to use and reliable.
You can find safety cable in any industry where there is a need to prevent a bolt from becoming loose under heavy vibration. In particular, it is used in aircraft maintenance and even the space program! Let’s take a closer look at how this simple tool can make life easier in all of these areas.
Uses of Safety Wire
Safety wire is a cost-effective and efficient way to keep machinery and components secure. This includes bolt heads, self locking nuts, fasteners, and all other metal parts of machinery. This helps prevent accidents and injuries and saves companies the time they would otherwise spend finding and securing loose bolts or repairing equipment.
Safety wiring is not meant to replace bolts and fasteners installation. Always make sure that they are correctly tightened before installing safety cables with a torque wrench or other tool first.
Most manufacturers work very hard to ensure that their products are safe and reliable. One of the critical aspects in ensuring safety is securing all components that can work loose, such as those found on a motor or onboard aircraft. Safety wires should be tight but not too tight, with about 6-8 twists per inch for optimal security against breakage under pressure from vibrations like when an engine starts up – which can happen at any time!
Safety wire is a single-use, disposable item that you must replace after each use.
Comparison of our favorite safety wire products
CLICK any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Title | Buy | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Aircraft Tool Supply Safety Lock Wire (.032) | Buy Now | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
 | Wire and Cable Specialties .032" Safety Lockwire | Buy Now | 4.8 / 5 (Best Value) |
 | NACHEE Safety Lock Wire (.032) | Buy Now | 4.6 / 5 |
 | Pit Posse PP2766 Stainless Steel Twist Safety Lock Grip Wire | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 |
| Malin - MS20995C Stainless Steel Safety Wire | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 |
Best Safety Wire | 5 Reviews
1. Aircraft Tool Supply (.032) – Best Overall
- This product is used to secure bolts, nuts, or small hardware. It comes in a 1 lb dispenser cans and is made of type 302 stainless steel. It would be best if you secured this bolt/nut/hardware with this aircraft-grade tool supply because it meets all the standards demanded by NASM, MS20995C, and ASTM A580 specifications.
- This middle gauge product is perfect for keeping in your toolbox for any project that needs to be fastened together. The small size means you can conveniently store this product in the tiniest of places.
- Type 302 stainless steel provides a rust-free surface with corrosion protection, making it ideal for long-term or repeated applications when exposed to moisture, heat, and heavy loads. It is explicitly made with screws, bolts, nuts, or any other hardware subject to vibration, so they will stay securely in place as you work on the project.
2. Wire and Cable Specialties .032″ Safety Lockwire – Best Value
- If you need to secure bolts, nuts, or hardware in areas that may experience heavy vibration--from things like machinery or vehicles--try these wire and cable specialty items. Rest assured, these products are made of stainless steel and have been tested with the NASM 20995C standard as well as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) A580 test. Theyre perfect for using on important parts under high-vibration conditions!
- No more hassling with safety pins or worrying about forgetting to check every bolt. This cable lockwire is designed for use in all areas where vibration can loosen hardware. It combines toughness with convenience to make sure a worthwhile project stays together without complications.
3. NACHEE Safety Lock Wire (.032)
- NACHEE Safety Lock Wire (.032) is an ideal choice to use when wire safety is a concern and quality counts. Not only does it meet NASM 20995C and ASTM A580 specifications with its 304 stainless steel, but it also meets all necessary manufacturing guidelines for your peace of mind.
- At a diameter of .032 inches thick, the wire twists well without being too challenging to work with at this thin size. With 100 feet per spool and no chance to unwind in the toolbox or drawer, thanks to the handy plastic spool bundle, youll be set up for any job!
- NACHEE Safety Lock Wire .032 will help secure your equipment from loosening due to vibrations. Whether you are lock wiring your grips or want a length of the stuff to keep any bike part from falling off, find it here! Made of strong stainless steel, this wire is industrial grade and resistant to corrosion.
4. Pit Posse PP2766 Stainless Steel Twist Safety Lock Grip Wire
- Pit Posse safety wire is excellent for any automotive enthusiast or professional. The package eliminates the need to unwind a spool and always be worry about losing your needed length. Keep on top of all stability needs with Pit Posses safety wire.
- When you need tightening wire for your motorcycle or dirt bike grips, turn to the Pit Posse Safety Lock Grip Wire. Made from aircraft quality stainless steel and measuring out at .032-inch in diameter, you can use this wire both on various grip sizes and across a wide range of occasions.
5. Malin – MS20995C Stainless Steel Safety Wire
- With the right balance of strength and flexibility, rest assured that this stainless steel wire can keep your bolts in place! With a diameter of 0.025 and an impressive total length of 596 feet, this lockwire will handle most jobs with ease.
- The Malin MS20995C Stainless Steel Safety Lockwire assists in preventing nuts and bolts from becoming loose, which is a common cause of mechanical failure. The stainless steel wire diameter of 0.025 inches locks fasteners secured by locknuts or cotter pins in place while being subject to vibration.
- The total package length is 596 feet, and the product comes neatly packed in its case, making it easy to transport on-site or into the garage without causing workplace clutter.
Conclusion
Safety wire is a necessity for any job where the risk of vibration loosening hardware exists. If you’re looking to find the best safety wire, we suggest one that meets NASM 20995C and ASTM A580 specifications with its 304 stainless steel. While your chosen product must be strong enough to do the job, it should also have the flexibility to work well on different fasteners while being subject to vibrations.
Our Best Overall pick is the Aircraft Tool Supply Safety Lock Wire is a stainless steel wire that meets some of the most demanding specifications in aviation. This aircraft tool supply safety wire satisfies NASM/MS20995C and ASTM A580 specifications, ensuring you won’t have any concerns securing your bolts and components with this safety lock wire. It’s no doubt that what they’re offering has been backed by professionals who know their business.
Here are some other articles you may like:
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Here are favorite Safety Wire Pliers
CLICK any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Model | Price | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top  | Imperial Tool Milbar | Click Here | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
  | Race-Driven | Click Here | 4.7 / 5 (Best Value) |
  | Stahlwille | Click Here | 4.7 / 5 |
  | Mostbest | Click Here | 4.5 / 5 |
  | BikeMaster | Click Here | 4.2 / 5 |
When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
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