What is used as a substitute for safety wire to prevent loosening?

• A. Safety Cable
• B. Lock Washer
• C. Special Washer
• D. Tubing

Answer: (A)

When fasteners are exposed to vibration, they must be restrained from turning and loosening. A safety cable provides a substitute for safety wire by creating a positive lock through a flexible cable that runs around or through the fastener and is anchored at two points, then tightened with clamps or lugs. This setup delivers the same purpose as safety wire—preventing rotation and loosening—especially in configurations where threading wire through small holes isn’t practical. Other methods like lock washers or special washers can help in some cases but don’t offer the same continuous locking path as a safety cable, and they may not meet certain installation standards. Tubing doesn’t perform this locking function.