The Hodaka Club Forum

I have a question. Someone I know is rebuilding an Ace clutch. He didn’t order safety wire. He’s telling me that bailing wire is the same thickness. Do you suppose it could be substituted? So I’m asking. Is there any real difference? Victor

Safety wire is a special stainless steel alloy with the engineered feature of enhanced malleability (flexibility without breakage) and "memory" - the tendency for a malleable material to retain the shape it is formed into. Wire is engineered for specific purposes - linear tensile strength, malleability, flexability, etc. Safety wire is engineered to be safety wire with specific properties engineered into the alloy to allow it to serve its function properly and safely. There is no dependable substitute.

Not the same, bail wire is a heavier gauge. Won't even go thru the holes in the screws.

Well thanks to ya’lls help I talked him out of using the bailing wire! Thanks guys! Victor

Good call! If he has any residual concerns, have him talk to anyone who performs aircraft maintenance.

He’s a semi driver instructor. I convinced him with the bailing wire would rust. It did, however, fit thru the screws. Victor

Thanks guys for you wisdom on the safety wire. I will be talking to Terry today to get the proper wire thanks again

Well, now you let the cat out of the bag. Victor