How many times should the safety wire be wrapped around the shank of the turnbuckle before trimming?

The practice of wrapping safety wire around the shank of a turnbuckle is essential for ensuring that the turnbuckle remains securely closed during operation. This procedure is critical in applications where mechanical failure could lead to safety hazards.

Wrapping the safety wire four times is the recommended approach as it provides sufficient tension and ensures that the wire will hold securely against vibrational forces and other dynamic loads that may occur during use. This increased number of wraps helps to distribute loads evenly and reduces the likelihood of wire slippage or failure, which could compromise safety.

While fewer wraps may seem sufficient, they might not provide the necessary security against loosening over time, particularly in high-stress environments. Thus, using four wraps strikes a balance between adequately securing the turnbuckle and ensuring ease of installation and maintenance.