Never used this stuff before so looking for pointers!

Decided that Id feel a little more secure by lockwiring major components, such as diff mounting nuts, suspension nuts etc.

None of the nuts are drilled for lockwire so is it just a case of drilling through the nut/bolt and then threading and twisting off the wire? Or is there more to it??

What size of wire should I be using?

All advice greatfully recieved!

Ta muchly!

[Edited on 20/8/07 by iiyama]

I use this stuff everyday at work,

Normally around 15 twists per inch, a minimum of 6 twists in the "tail" that your left with at the end.

Remember to lock them in the direction you would turn the spanner, we use 0.8mm wire and mind your fingers as the stuff's acid annealed so it'll sting when you jab your finger.

Have a look at THIS for some examples.

ATB Dan.

Bolts are best drilled across flats in the head, and nuts at an angle between two adjacent flats. Use a 1/16" or 1.5 mm drill, preferably cobalt. You will need to centre punch and may find it easier uing a small drill press. A drill speed aound 1000 - 1200 RPM and plenty of lubrication will help, but donīt be surprised if you break a few drill bits in the process!

The basic rule of lock wiring is to ensure positive lock, that is the tension in the locking wire would increase as the bolt loosened. Sounds obvious but can require thought when working from underneath, in enclosed spaces etc. You are aiming for around 10 twists to the inch, depending on the wire guauge. A common lock wire is .032", stainless steel but many others are available. This will do every job on a locost though.

Try to avoid putting nicks in the wire with the pliers and never untwist the wire to adjust the length between fasteners - the wire is cheap so snip it off and start again! Once youīve finished you can tighten the wire by rotating the wrist (easier to demonstrate than explain Iīm afraid) and then end the run by doubling the twisted strands over to ensure they wonīt tear your fingers open next time you try and work on something in that area!

A quick search on the net will be the best way of identifying some of the patterns that can be used in different situations. Iīve put a picture in my archive to get you started.

Good luck,

Dom.

[Edited on 20/8/07 by another_dom]

Didnīt see Danīs reply as I was preparing my own! His link has excellent examples of lockwire applications.

ALSO.. it is possible to get a reasonable result by hand, however to get the best results you need to invest in a set of wire locking pliers. These lock down onto the two strands and then you pull on a knob at the end which twists the pliers for you.

The hardest thing by far is drilling the holes in the first place. I got through a LOT of 1.5mm cobalt drills when doing my brakes. I bought a drill guide jobby from Frosts but it was pretty much useless. I have since found the easiest way to drill across a 'corner' is by hand (with a manual hand drill for precision and control) in a vice going from either direction and meeting up! - I know a lot will argue with this technique but after a LOT of trial and error it was what worked for me!

OK guys, thanks for the replies, think Ive got it now...... If not Ill post again!