Safety Wire Pliers

[zorrox]

I'm in the market, but don't know what to look for.

Who makes the best safety wire twist pliers?

 

[99driver]

Tigerwave is generally considered the best option in the airplane community. Prevents a bunch of broken wire and if you get a more recent pair it has some rubber in the jaws so you don't lose your loose tail.

 

[Speedbird]

I use reversible Milbar and really like them

 

[Wamsutta]

Milbar has always been the best.

 

[dr_clyde]

I have Milbar, both reversing and single direction. I don't care for the reversing function as much, the extra cuts in the screw make it not as smooth.

They both work fine, but the single direction is noticeably smoother.

 

[cvairwerks]

I finally broke down and bought a pair of Milbar 25W's after using nothing but duck bills and cutters for 30+ years. With the insert in the jaws, no chasing the tails when you cut them.

 

[fos373]

I have a set from Proto that is reversible - very similar (if not the same?) as milbar. zoro with the 20% coupon. Work very well.

 

[bob15]

Milbar.

 

[KM223]

I have the Snap-on/Milbar WTS6 set. Wave jaw with left and right twist. Best set I’ve ever used.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

https://www.amazon.com/Milbar-Safety-Wire-Twister-Pliers/dp/B0049C9EQ6

Milbar 25W reversible cushioned throat

 

[PNWguy]

I tried to save a few dollars and bought a more budget friendly pair. Terrible mistake.

I think this is one of the tools that you shouldn't consider anything but the really good ones.

 

[zorrox]

Aye, looks like Milbar it is! Thanks fellas!

 

[ollie76]

I always wondered, what's the deal with the left hand auto twist option? Does it really matter if you don't alternate twists?

 

[Speedbird]

Yes. Wrap around should always go under tension wire. This means a left twist at the second fastener.

 

[Wamsutta]

Mine look like these. They don't say anything on them except M 5 USA. They measure 10 3/8'' long.

 

[1320]

I have a few pairs of Milbar 1W pliers and I've wondered if they are supposed to have an automatic spring return. A buddy of mine said mine must be broken, but I think the 1W must not be quite a fully featured set.

 

[1320]

Mine look like these. They don't say anything on them except M 5 USA. They measure 10 3/8'' long.

That is what I have, too. One pair has Milbar 1W etched on the head near the joint.

I just looked up how much they cost new, I was not expecting that...

 

[Wamsutta]

That is what I have, too. One pair has Milbar 1W etched on the head near the joint.

I just looked up how much they cost new, I was not expecting that...

Mine probably said that too at one time but I'm always using scotch-brite on surface rust so that's probably how the lettering disappeared. I don't remember what they cost new but I know they came from Gordon Industrial supply in California sometime back in the 1990s.

 

[RivennHewn]

I don't use them much, so I couldn't justify spending the big bucks.

https://www.yardstore.com/safety-wire-pliers-9

 

[cvairwerks]

Twist direction will vary based on how you have to wrap each fastener, and in what order you start.