safety wire pliers choices

[rockwoodrv9]

I searched the forum and found lots of posts about safety wiring, but nothing on what pliers to purchase. I have never done anything other than crude safety wiring on a boat motor. I have watched youtube videos and read how, so I think I understand how - but not what pliers to get.

there are some around $25 and some about $80. the $80 are reversible - is that a big deal? Is it worth the extra money? Thanks

[Mike S]

I have two pair, different sizes.

I prefer the smaller one, as I can get into tighter spaces with it.

Six inch non-reversable.

[Sam Buchanan]

Originally Posted by rockwoodrv9

I searched the forum and found lots of posts about safety wiring, but nothing on what pliers to purchase. I have never done anything other than crude safety wiring on a boat motor. I have watched youtube videos and read how, so I think I understand how - but not what pliers to get.

there are some around $25 and some about $80. the $80 are reversible - is that a big deal? Is it worth the extra money? Thanks

Expensive tools are nearly always very nice tools, but for occasional, non-professional use something like the following will work:

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-...ter-45340.html

I've used the el cheap pliers for years and nothing has ever fallen off the planes.

[rockwoodrv9]

Thanks guys. Im all for saving $ when it is Ok to do. HB is great for some of the tools that are not used too often or do not need to be precision.

I have had good luck with their cheap 3" water pumps from China. Other than the threads on the hose connections not being anything available in the US, they work great. I have 2 Honda pumps - costing 4 times as much and 4 HF pumps. The Hondas are not even close to as easy to prime and start. I have had them in service for irrigation for 4 years with no problems at all. Start on first pull each year and run 4-6 hours a day. Not bad for $300.

[RV6_flyer]

Originally Posted by rockwoodrv9

I searched the forum and found lots of posts about safety wiring, but nothing on what pliers to purchase. I have never done anything other than crude safety wiring on a boat motor. I have watched youtube videos and read how, so I think I understand how - but not what pliers to get.

there are some around $25 and some about $80. the $80 are reversible - is that a big deal? Is it worth the extra money? Thanks

I have the cheap ones and also a $100 Milbar that is reversible. After using the Milbar reversible ones, I highly recommend them over the CHEAP ones. The smaller of the two sizes is what I like.

You only get what you pay for.

[David Paule]

Ditto on the Milbar, and get an older one if you can find one. I prefer the older version of the latching assembly.

Reversing is not necessary.

Dave

[Mark Albery]

I bought the Harbour Freight and, after a while threw them out and bought the Millbar (6" reversible).
I'm happy with the Millbar.

[Ironflight]

We've got three pairs of pliers in our safety wire basket - two cheap ones I've had for years, and the more expensive reversibles (which Louise brought to the relationship). The only ones I grab now are the reversibles - the latch is easier to use, and it is nice to pick the correct direction for what you're doing.

Paul

[Neal@F14]

I've got both the small and regular size ones from Harbor Freight.

The HF cheapies might get the job done, but there sure have been a lot of times that I've seriously wished I had a pair of nice 6" reversible ones.

Someday, I'll spring for some good ones.

EDIT: Just noticed that Avery has the 6" reversible on sale right now for $70. Rats! If only I wasn't pinching my pennies for Oshkosh right now.