Inspect any A&P’s tool box and you’ll find safety wire pliers. Often referred to as SWIPES (for “Safety Wire Installation Pliers”), they ease the operation of twisting wire that firmly secures fasteners and other parts. The two primary components of swipes are the locking jaw and a lever that rotates pliers when pulled out. To the casual observer, all swipes may appear equal, but close observation will reveal significant differences. Quality ranges from very good – and thus very expensive – to quite poor. Professionals will agree that quality pliers are necessary for confident completion of the task, especially since safety of the pilot and passengers are at stake. American Aviator Tools set out to develop safety wire pliers that rival top professional units, but priced for a much broader audience. The SWP8-REV features a precision diagonal nose jaw and heat-treated cutting blades, using pro-spec chrome vanadium material. The locking mechanism operates with ease, as does the spring return lever. Finally, the SWP8-REV can produce right-hand twists (clockwise action) or left-hand twists. Fit and finish is professional-quality. The SWP8-REV measures 9” tip-to-tip.
