A new idea well at least for me anyway.

[Retired Wrencher 6,378]

I used to work on Valves for aircraft and we used to do a lot of wire lock or lock wiring. So I had an idea to do this to the chains for the rear tires when you plow snow. I have to say it’s a lot easier. You have to get the wire as tight as you can. So far so good we had a storm last Saturday. It was at frozen big chunky stuff which turned into a ball. They worked well and they’re easily removable and installed a lot easier. I just thought I’d bring it up.There for link I had them why not use them. You don’t have to use the twister that people use when they do lock wiring. You can just use some vice grips. Give it a good snap when you’re making the first twist this will tighten everything up a lot better. I was using mechanic six gauge I believe they call it. Mechanics wire. Enjoy your day. 

[ebinmaine 77,081]

Any pics or videos of the process? 

[ri702bill 11,145]

32 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

Any pics or videos of the process? 

[rjg854 12,834]

[kpinnc 17,029]

Do you mean safety wire?

 

 

[953 nut 63,984]

I have used the nine gauge wire that is used along the bottom of a chain link fence on tire chains to add tension, works great.

[Retired Wrencher 6,378]

17 hours ago, kpinnc said:

Do you mean safety wire?

 

 

No six gauge mechanics wire I used. I’ll get a pick of it today. Thanks for the interest.

[Retired Wrencher 6,378]

16 hours ago, 953 nut said:

I have used the nine gauge wire that is used along the bottom of a chain link fence on tire chains to add tension, works great.

I also found that you can actually take the chains off and leave everything hooked up. It just takes the slack out of it. I’m running 22s on the 1056 because I had the chains they were in good shape, so I just decided to do it this way and give it a try. So far so good.

Edited December 14, 2025 by Retired Wrencher

[Retired Wrencher 6,378]

22 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

Any pics or videos of the process? 

Eric I will try and get some picks to post hear today.

[Retired Wrencher 6,378]

21 hours ago, ri702bill said:

It is a simple process actually takes some wire a little bit at an even length. Give it a good couple three hard sharp snaps so you’re forming the wire. Then choose how far you want to go on the side and then twist it so it’s even all the way across. I have some special pliers for lock wiring. I can post a picture of that too.

Edited December 14, 2025 by Retired Wrencher

[Retired Wrencher 6,378]

On 12/13/2025 at 7:56 AM, ebinmaine said:

Any pics or videos of the process? 

Eric I was busy all day yesterday with the snow that we had. I had to run down to Hartford to give Tony a rolling cart that he wanted. So I never got around to taking the pictures. I will try today. 

[Retired Wrencher 6,378]

So i had a chance to take a few picks yesterday of the lock wiring. Here is what I have. It is kind of hard to see  but the 1st pick may be the best.

Edited December 16, 2025 by Retired Wrencher

[953 nut 63,984]

On 12/13/2025 at 6:52 AM, Retired Wrencher said:

mechanic six gauge

Did you intend to say sixteen gauge?

[Retired Wrencher 6,378]

21 hours ago, 953 nut said:

Did you intend to say sixteen gauge?

Richard it’s six gauge spool of wire. Basically exhaust wire on automotive. Pretty tough stuff I had it for years.

[Racinbob 12,691]

23 hours ago, 953 nut said:

Did you intend to say sixteen gauge?

 

2 hours ago, Retired Wrencher said:

Richard it’s six gauge spool of wire. Basically exhaust wire on automotive. Pretty tough stuff I had it for years.

 

It's the stuff used to tie rebar. Yup, pretty tuff. But 6 gauge has a diameter of .162" 

[Retired Wrencher 6,378]

21 hours ago, Racinbob said:

 

 

It's the stuff used to tie rebar. Yup, pretty tuff. But 6 gauge has a diameter of .162" 

Richard I have had this this at least 25 years or more  slowly using it up. Probably can’t even find that kind of wire anymore.