I was looking through a Summit Racing catalog and saw a product called "Safety Wire." From reading the description it looks like it has something to do with keeping bolts from loosening. For curiosity sake, could someone enlighten me as to how safety wire is used?

Thanks

 

Wire is run through holes in bolts or nuts, to prevent them from loosening.

http://www.whizwheels.com/Tips/safetywiring.html

 

I believe safety wire originated in avation industry and remains the main area of usage.

WD

 

It's used extensively in the manufacturing arena. Stamping presses, robot end effectors, over head cranes and rail systems, any part that could vibrate loose.

 

NASCAR too, I've been in several shops and look at different applications where it was used. They don't want a black flag for any "cheap" excuse.

 

Drill a hole through the head. Install wire through hole so that if the bolt loosens, the wire gets tighter. One bolt is wired to another for an anchor. A minimum of 2 bolts is required. One long piece of wire is used to secure a series of bolts then the 2 ends of the wire are twisted together if they meet back up.

As stated above, it's big in the aviation industry to keep bolts from vibrating loose. Even with the improvements with products like Loctite, bolts can still loosen in high vibration applications.

Even in my race car, I have no bolts safety wired. My Harley doesn't have any and it vibrates. Loctite in an automobile is more than enough unless a rule specifies it.