Top 7 Best Safety Wire Pliers (2021 Review)

This piece aims to discuss the best safety wire pliers, or safety wire pliers as they are sometimes called. Pliers perform various functions in mechanical and electrical work particularly. While pliers offer a variety of useful functions, some different pliers perform different functions better. Essentially, pliers come in different kinds and shapes. When it comes to the locking of wires, safety wire pliers do the job best. Also, regarding the installation of fasteners and keeping them in place, safety wire pliers are the most ideal.

It is, therefore, unsurprising that safety wire pliers are used mostly in aviation, racing, and mechanical works. Generally, there are used in areas where fastening and loosening can be a matter of fatality. However, it is the case that few know about safety wire pliers. Even, some see all pliers as the same without any unique differences. As we go through the best safety wire pliers, it becomes more obvious that this is not the case.

Types of Pliers

Once again, while pliers perform some general functions, there are some specific ones.

An example of the general function that most pliers perform is the holding and cutting of wires. However, safety wire pliers operate to aid the locking of wires. The locking of wires is essential when it comes to holding a fastener together. Holding a fastener ensures the minimizing of the possibility that the fastener will loosen.

This is important in work environments like aviation and mechanics were high vibration cause fasteners to loosen. With the help of safety wire pliers, wires are easily locked to the level of tightness required. However, the use of safety wire pliers is not restricted to holding a fastener and wire-locking.

There are the diagonal-nose pliers. These are used primarily for holding wires and cutting them. Their V-shaped inner carving is designed to be sharp enough to cut wire, regardless of the type. This includes copper, aluminum, and steel wire.
There is the tapered or needle-nose wire mostly used by electricians. This is also used to hold and cut wire. However, it has, like its name implies, a long pointed nose. This can be used to reach into enclosed spaces and pull out things – usually wires.

There are other kinds of pliers, but these are also popular kinds. Depending on their utility, they can be used in several interrelated work environments.

This is not to particularly discuss the types of pliers. It is aimed at pointing out the fact that not all pliers are the same. Also, some pliers are better for specific usages than others.

How to work a pair of safety wire twisters pliers

The Best Safety Wire Pliers

We have stated the distinct nature of safety wire pliers and factors to consider when getting them. Now, we go into some of the best safety wire pliers, or safety wire twister pliers. While this list does not provide all, it sheds light on some important ones.

Safety Wire Pliers: Buying Guide

Using safety wire pliers can become a necessity when it comes to certain tasks. This is because, without their unique capabilities, such tasks can become difficult or impossible. You can indeed twist a wire with normal diagonal pliers, but that will take time. And even worse, it might not be as tight as needed or necessary.

However, with a lot of safety pliers out there, there can be a dilemma in getting the right one. While safety pliers have a general function they perform, the ease of performance differ. Typically, the reason for this is not far-fetched. Different manufacturers like to stay ahead. In doing this, some include special features that can give their product an edge. With this, most safety pliers offer differing performance efficiencies.

In any case, while special features are very important, one should not be entirely swayed by them. That said, there are different other worthy factors to be considered outside special features. It is our confidence that a consideration of these features can help you in reaching a better purchase decision. While all of these factors cannot possibly be entirely mentioned, some of the popular ones would be mentioned.

Hence, when searching for an efficient and top safety plier, best to have some of these in consideration.

The Type of Safety Plier

A primary function that safety pliers perform is the twisting of wires. The wires can be twisted around, into, or onto an object to fasten it. These are not the only ways, but they are proper examples.

However, the average safety plier can only twist in one direction. So, for example, you are twisting a wire around multiple bolts. The goal is to twist the wire around two bolts clockwise and a third bolt anti-clockwise. For a quick explanation, twisting left is anti-clockwise and twisting right is clockwise. With the average safety plier, you would have to turn the first two bolts clockwise. As for the third bolt, you would need another safety plier to effectively turn it anti-clockwise.

This is what it means to twist in one direction. However, there is a different type of safety pliers which has the reversible feature. This reversible feature makes it possible to twist wires in any direction, both clockwise and anti-clockwise.

So far, reversible safety wire pliers are much ideal than the average safety plier.

Special/Unique Features

Asides the different types of safety pliers, it is important to also look out for special features. For example, a special feature like a quick-acting reverse sleeve or unique automatic spring return separates a reversible safety plier from the rest. Therefore, even reversible safety pliers differ in efficiency. To this end, when searching for which is more efficient, pay attention to the special features.

This can be done by checking through the product, asking people who frequently use these products, or reading posts like this, amongst other things.

However, another way this can be done is to look out for brands. Some brands are known for their special features which give them the edge.

Brands

As a follow-up, the distinction amongst safety pliers is usually present, thanks to the creativity of brands. Since brands are looking to stand apart, checking out their products can help you find an ideal one. Several brands are known to create quality safety wire pliers. Examples are Milbar, Craftsman safety wire pliers, etc. Also, there are quality safety wire pliers that have been made by these brands. An example is the Milbar tiger wave safety wire pliers.

It remains an unspoken rule that checking out brands is important. This way, even if you do not get the ideal product, you know what brand to avoid for bad products.

Sizes

Safety wire pliers come in different sizes. Typically, the ideal size to buy is usually dependent on the work to be done or the reason for the purchase. The bigger the wires to be handled, the larger the size of the safety plier. This is the ideal progression.

Most safety pliers come in 6”, 9”, and 12”. Hence, the higher the size of the plier, the better chance you stand at satisfactorily handling bigger wires. As the number shows, the 6” wire is the smallest. They are best for uses that involve low-grade wire operations.

These are some of the major factors to consider when searching for safety wire pliers. However, these are not all as there are some other factors. Such other factors include the design and price of the safety plier. In any case, when these factors are considered, you are better equipped to get a quality safety plier.

Conclusion

Safety wire pliers are important. Their importance is more necessary than stated, particularly when it comes to putting fasteners in place. With this post, it is hoped that you have a better understanding of safety wire pliers. More importantly, you can now make better decisions.