Adam Savage's Favorite Tools: Safety Wire Pliers

Adam loves discovering new tools by watching other craftspeople at work, even if there aren't immediate projects or tasks in need of that tool. Having a unique tool like a pair of wire twisting pliers isn't about having it handy all the time, but it's part of understanding how things are put together in the world. In this case, the twisted safety wires you may find holding screws in place under aircraft or military hardware. Here's how those are made!

Shot by Adam Savage

Disclaimer: Tested may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through the links here.

Join this channel to support Tested and get access to perks:

Tested is:

Intro bumper by Abe Dieckman

Thanks for watching!

#AdamSavage #favoritetools

[Beardo]

My dad has had a set of these for like 40 years and I always used to love playing with them when I was a kid

[iamfrancisrice]

I was a Chinook mechanic in the Army and I loved these. In AIT we weren't allowed to use them. We were forced to do lockwire with needle nose pliers and similar tools because they wanted us to learn the "manual" way, but at the unit they were ubiquitous and included in every issued aviation toolbox.

[Memento]

They are also used in the fabrication of reinforced concrete cages

[UranusGaseous]

I worked on F18s in the Corps.. Safety wire pliers, screwdriver, and a scribe is practically everything you need to get 99% of all the little things fixed.

[hmmmmmm...k]

The moment I saw the twisting I stood up exclaiming something I shouldn't repeat here. This tool would have saved me countless hours... and that time is gone now, but I can reclaim the next batch of my wire twisting life. THANK YOU.

[anthonyfulmer]

I'm actually in school rn for fixing drones for the Army and we just learned to use safety wire last week lol. Funny finding this

[thomasaltruda]

Adam, go watch “Agen Jay Z” also known as “Jet Tech” and his “Lock Wire” videos. Also looks like you have .041 wire.. try some .032 instead. Much easier to use.

[shihabhossain]

Apparently everyone in the comments used them a lot to work on aircrafts.

[MrDevilkiller]

My dad had a pair of these in his tool box forever, and never knew what they were/for... until now! He used to be an aircraft mechanic in the Navy, and it makes total sense! Thanks Adam!

[jacksongreenaway]

My dad past away when I was 9, he was an Aircraft engineer and pilot. I inherited his toolbox and found this tool but had no idea what it was! I totally thought it was some tool he made up as he's got so many rigged tools in his tool box. Amazing! Thanks Adam!

[jimmykang]

Adam Savage: "new tool! Pliers...!"
Me: "wait tell me about the hip pouch!"

[chrismorris]

Thanks to my instructors from years ago, every time I use safety/lock wire, Daft Punk’s “Around the World” is stuck in my head for the next hour😆

[it]

UK aviation - I've always known of them as Wire Locking Pliers

[mikeeybass]

Hello Adam. Long time fan. I am retired Army and they are lacing wire pliers. Used them all the time on my M1A1 Abrams Tank. Never thought I would ever see them again.

[nicominces]

Dear Adam, as e former helicopter and airplane mechanic I really like this video.
I used to use this tool a lot and also to make beautiful things for my gf.
And today as a engineering student can't wait to buy one for myself.
I think its a must have tool for any maker

[xpndblhero]

Adam: "That is a BEAUTIFUL twisted wire¡!"
Me: "It It really is. 😢 The symmetry is spot on¡!" 🤔😳😖 remembering some of the ugly twists I've made 😂

[andrewchapman]

Now I'm curious if anyone on the ISS watches Tested.

[MrKrispers]

I've always just put the ends of wire in a drill and spin that way

[woodandwheelz]

I have a pair of those from when I was in the Navy. Everyone who sees them is so fascinated. You are the only other person I've seen with a pair of these Safety Wire plyers. Very cool. And I see comments below of others who have them as well. Thank you for the video.

[misstaja]

Thank you I been owning these twisters for at least 10 years and you helped me with the metal piece in the middle thank you again