Thanks Scott
Yeah I’m a LAME in Oz, equivalent to your A&P.
Too many bleeding fingers not to curl the tails...
Clayton
Safety wire
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Yeah I’m a LAME in Oz, equivalent to your A&P.
Too many bleeding fingers not to curl the tails...
Clayton
Scott and I are both aviation mechanics. Safety wire is not meant to keep a bolt or nut torqued. It's there to stop the un-torqued bolt or nut from completely backing off of the fixture it's meant to fasten, and departing the fixture. It's there to prevent a spinner that has become un-torqued from completely spinning off the hub. As stated, the torsional momentum of the wheel should keep the spinner torqued.....but weird things happen.
Stainless safety wire will stretch and break easily. Don't rely on it to keep it torqued.
The pigtail is simply to keep from poking stainless through your fingers.
As Scott said, the smart way would be to wire from the wheel to the inside of the spinner. This will prevent road debris from breaking the wire, and conceal it better. However, the authentic wire was at the tip. Functionally, it makes little difference.
If I was racing with wheel changes during the race, I'd put a clip on the end of the safety wire to clip into a hole in the spinner tip, after torquing. When racing motorcycles, we often did this with things like the oil drain bolt, axle bolts, etc. It made for a quick swap while still having the safety wire function. So, the safety wire would be loose with a clip on the end, clipped into the fixture.
The point being, this is about authentic aesthetics. As long as the safety wire is not broken it will do its job.
Stainless safety wire will stretch and break easily. Don't rely on it to keep it torqued.
The pigtail is simply to keep from poking stainless through your fingers.
As Scott said, the smart way would be to wire from the wheel to the inside of the spinner. This will prevent road debris from breaking the wire, and conceal it better. However, the authentic wire was at the tip. Functionally, it makes little difference.
If I was racing with wheel changes during the race, I'd put a clip on the end of the safety wire to clip into a hole in the spinner tip, after torquing. When racing motorcycles, we often did this with things like the oil drain bolt, axle bolts, etc. It made for a quick swap while still having the safety wire function. So, the safety wire would be loose with a clip on the end, clipped into the fixture.
The point being, this is about authentic aesthetics. As long as the safety wire is not broken it will do its job.
Licensed A&P here also, although I haven't worked in that capacity for quite some time. Began my career working for P&WA in East Hartford, CT at the production test facility, that's where I learned how to properly apply safety wire. The worst was the ultra-heavy gauge hi-temp coated wire...very tough stuff to work into cast crevices...
Jimmy, the only concern I'd have with your snap ring idea is that over time the wire will work harden and crack. If it were re-applied before each race though, that would probably be okay.
Jimmy, the only concern I'd have with your snap ring idea is that over time the wire will work harden and crack. If it were re-applied before each race though, that would probably be okay.
Agreed.Licensed A&P here also, although I haven't worked in that capacity for quite some time. Began my career working for P&WA in East Hartford, CT at the production test facility, that's where I learned how to properly apply safety wire. The worst was the ultra-heavy gauge hi-temp coated wire...very tough stuff to work into cast crevices...
Jimmy, the only concern I'd have with your snap ring idea is that over time the wire will work harden and crack. If it were re-applied before each race though, that would probably be okay.
I assume you were using inconel wire inside the turbines ?Licensed A&P here also, although I haven't worked in that capacity for quite some time. Began my career working for P&WA in East Hartford, CT at the production test facility, that's where I learned how to properly apply safety wire. The worst was the ultra-heavy gauge hi-temp coated wire...very tough stuff to work into cast crevices...
Jimmy, the only concern I'd have with your snap ring idea is that over time the wire will work harden and crack. If it were re-applied before each race though, that would probably be okay.
Been told not to pick yourself with that stuff...
Clayton
Honestly Clayton, I don't remember what the base metal was, it was a million years ago and details elude me at this point. I do remember being cautioned about it, but there was no way to work with it without leaving marks and a blood trail. I think the caution was related more to the coating on the wire, not the inconel, but again, fuzzy memory.
Was told there was traces of arsenic on the wire, so try not to prick yourself with it.
Only had to use S/S wire myself.
Clayton
I know this post is old, but it’s important. Safety wire the wheels end of story. I was told that technically the wheel nuts get tighter and they are not needed.
Last night I was in my car with my wife taking a cruse. Obviously going fast, started to feel like the car was steering funny, so I slowed down and pulled over.
I did a walk around and the right rear wheel nut was so loose only half the threads were threaded. I called the shop that has helped me with the car, and they came out to help. Luckily they pulled the wheel and noticed two of the wheel pins where sheared off as well.
physics is only about what we know, and I may never know why that wheel nut backed Off, but they will always be wired from now on.
I can only imagine the damage to the car or the accident that may have happened.
Wire the wheels end of story
Rob Klein.
Last night I was in my car with my wife taking a cruse. Obviously going fast, started to feel like the car was steering funny, so I slowed down and pulled over.
I did a walk around and the right rear wheel nut was so loose only half the threads were threaded. I called the shop that has helped me with the car, and they came out to help. Luckily they pulled the wheel and noticed two of the wheel pins where sheared off as well.
physics is only about what we know, and I may never know why that wheel nut backed Off, but they will always be wired from now on.
I can only imagine the damage to the car or the accident that may have happened.
Wire the wheels end of story
Rob Klein.
Watch on Youtube, 3 part video “How to do it: Reinstalling Cobra wheels with spinners”. Part 3 show installing safety wire.
Bill Kearley
Supporter
Have a look at ( Agent JZ ) on you tube for correct wiring !!