Cool Safety Wiring

[patrickt]

I'm finally getting around to replacing some bolts, that are in difficult to inspect areas, with AN rated drilled-head bolts. I've had a few bolts work their way loose in the past and this pretty much puts that problem to rest. I haven't had a cause to safety wire dual bolts to one another in a long time so I took a pic of it. This is the reversed shift lever that bolts to the top of the Tremec. They are cadmium plated AN6 aircraft bolts, and are marked with the "X" -- the AFC above that is the manufacturer's mark, which in this case is AIRFASCO.

[Jerry Clayton]

Are there nuts on the other end or are they just threaded into the shifter???

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Jerry Clayton

Are there nuts on the other end or are they just threaded into the shifter???

No nuts, the Tremec stub shift piece has two threaded holes and the reverse shift lever is bolted to that stub.

[hauss]

That seems to be a lot of extra work, what"s wrong with a little locktite ? I"m just saying.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by hauss

That seems to be a lot of extra work, what"s wrong with a little locktite ? I"m just saying.

What makes you think it's extra work?

[twobjshelbys]

Sweet. Very tidy!

[Bud Man]

Not easy to do right - these are! Nice work!

[Gaz64]

Nice job there Patrick.

My shifter has countersunk holes, with a pair 5/16 hex countersunk allen key screws. They never come loose. The countersink prevents the shifter moving.
Too plates bolted together with normal bolts in this fore/aft situation are prone to coming loose.

Common situation these days are balljointed swaybar links that loosen the nut, since the load is sideways across the mounting point.

Gary

[Unique427]

Very clean safety wire work.

I still prefer a threadlocker with an application of CROSSCHECK torque seal.
A thin line of orange torque seal applied to the side of nut/bolt head onto the mating surface
provides immediate visual cue if that bolt/nut/screw has rotated.

Make periodic inspection of all critical areas with a flashlight and a glance.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Unique427

I still prefer a threadlocker with an application of CROSSCHECK torque seal.
A thin line of orange torque seal applied to the side of nut/bolt head onto the mating surface provides immediate visual cue if that bolt/nut/screw has rotated.

I agree... except these particular bolts are not readily visible to check, and that's why they're safety wired. In fact, if you click on this thread The Joy of Torque Seal you'll see I actually was using Torque Seal on them, but it didn't occur to me until after I'd done it, that I couldn't see the Torque Seal without taking the shifter apart!

[DanEC]

Patrickt - what other bolts have you found loosened up on your ERA? Not asking to be smart - just thinking I probably need to check any problem ones on mine.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by DanEC

Patrickt - what other bolts have you found loosened up on your ERA? Not asking to be smart - just thinking I probably need to check any problem ones on mine.

In no particular order, and off the top of my head...

* The hidden clutch linkage set screw, that allows everything to fall apart when it backs out, and that was the subject of this thread: Ehhrggg, Standed by a Set-Screw

* The shifter handle bolts that were the subject of this thread

* The steering rack bushing bolts

* Motor mount bolts and transmission mount bolts

* Seat bolts

* And then a bunch of the miscellaneous button head cap screws

The only one that required a tow home was the clutch set screw, which was only a two minute repair once I had her up in the air. (I've since modified that part so it can't do it again) The transmission shifter bolts almost required a tow home when one fell out, but I was able to limp her home in second gear. But with any of these cars you just need to periodically check every bolt from nose to toes.

[DanEC]

Thanks Patrick. I remember about the clutch linkage set screw. I think I put Loctite on mine but I should re-check it. I've become a big fan of blue Loctite -- a little dab will do ya.

[Moriarty]

Were the bolts pre-drilled, or do you have a jig for doing this?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Moriarty

Were the bolts pre-drilled, or do you have a jig for doing this?

Pre-drilled. I buy them from Aircraft Spruce. https://www.aircraftspruce.com/

[Gun Doc]

Not bad, but as a former aircraft technical inspector, I would had to have failed this particular safety. The initial loop though the bottom fastener should have been at the bottom of the bolt head - The two sections of wire should not touch. Also 6-8 twists per inch is what you are looking for with about a 1/2 " "pigtail" at the end that should be bent back into the bolt head. This keeps it from snagging on things, like your skin! All in all not a bad attempt and a good way to keep things tight. Did you use safety wire pilers, or was this done by hand?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Gun Doc

Not bad, but as a former aircraft technical inspector, I would had to have failed this particular safety. ... Did you use safety wire pliers, or was this done by hand?

Hmmm, not surprised -- I was told from an early age that I was not cut out for the military. I used my safety wire pliers (same ones I use on my spinners).

[incoming]

Gun Doc.....Yup.

Don't worry Patrick, Ill give you an A for effort and an a- for results.

Most people cant spell safety wire? I have trouble finding stainless safety wire to do the injector parts on my deuce.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Gun Doc

Not bad, but as a former aircraft technical inspector, I would had to have failed this particular safety. The initial loop though the bottom fastener should have been at the bottom of the bolt head - The two sections of wire should not touch. Also 6-8 twists per inch is what you are looking for with about a 1/2 " "pigtail" at the end that should be bent back into the bolt head. This keeps it from snagging on things, like your skin! All in all not a bad attempt and a good way to keep things tight. Did you use safety wire pilers, or was this done by hand?

I think I see. But will this version be any less effective?

[kyleb]

Nice work.. Been many a profanity expressed to anyone in earshot after snagging on a lockwire pigtail not folded over the years! When you cut the wire it is as sharp as a dang hypodermic needle therefore is generally stopped by hitting bone!