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Safety wire pigtail length

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 5 of 33 on Aircraft Materials, Hardware, and Processes. ACS element AM.I.E.K5 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONWhen a safety wire installation is finished, the pigtail at the end of the wiring should be

  1. A1/2 to 1 inch long (six to ten twists), left straight for inspection
  2. Bno longer than 1/4 inch, cut flush with the last twist
  3. C1/4 to 1/2 inch long (three to six twists), bent back or under
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. 1/4 to 1/2 inch long (three to six twists), bent back or under

  • A — incorrect The specified pigtail is 1/4 to 1/2 inch with three to six twists, and it must be bent back or under rather than left straight.
  • B — incorrect A pigtail of 1/4 to 1/2 inch is required; cutting it flush would leave no pigtail at all.
  • C — correct The general safety wiring rules call for a pigtail of 1/4 to 1/2 inch (three to six twists) that is bent back or under to prevent it from becoming a snag.

BACKGROUND

The handbook lists general rules for the safety wire method. A pigtail of 1/4 to 1/2 inch, three to six twists, should be made at the end of the wiring and bent back or under so that it does not become a snag. The safety wire must be new upon each application. All safety wires must be tight after installation, but not under such tension that normal handling or vibration breaks the wire. The wire must be applied so that all pull it exerts tends to tighten the nut, and twists should be tight and even.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the pigtail numbers as a pair, 1/4 to 1/2 inch and three to six twists, plus the requirement to bend it back or under.

KEY POINTS

  • Pigtail length is 1/4 to 1/2 inch, three to six twists.
  • The pigtail is bent back or under to prevent snagging.
  • Safety wire is always new on each application.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch07 "General Safety Wiring Rules"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.