Which practice helps ensure lock wire remains secure around fasteners?

• A. Keep twists tight and trim excess close to the fastener
• B. Leave tail ends long
• C. Use non-metallic wire
• D. Do not twist the wire

Answer: (A)

Lock wire remains secure when the twists are kept tight and the excess tail is trimmed close to the fastener. Tight twists hold the wire under consistent tension, so vibration won’t unwind the lock. Trimming the excess near the fastener prevents long ends from snagging, bending, or vibrating loose, which could compromise the lock. Using non-metallic wire can’t provide the same strength and resistance to engine conditions, and leaving tails long or not twisting would fail to create the necessary locking action. So, keeping twists tight and trimming the excess close is the most effective practice to keep lock wire secure around fasteners.