DK Tech Tip: How to Safety Wire MX Grips

Whether you’re turning laps at the MX track or ripping down single-track trails, a solid grip on the bars is crucial. Having your grips slip is a major hazard and can lead to a loss of control when you need it most. If your dirt bike grips aren’t of the lock-on design, gluing them on is common practice, but adding safety wire provides an extra layer of security to prevent grip slippage. In this Tech Tip, we’ll walk through how to safety wire your MX grips with ease, using simple tools and techniques.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Safety wire
• Safety wire pliers
• Wire cutters

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Position the Safety Wire
Most dirt bike grips come with grooves designed specifically for safety wire. Typically, you’ll apply safety wire in two places per grip—one near the inner end and one near the outer end. Some grips have additional grooves, but for this tutorial, we’ll focus on securing two points.

Step 2: Measure and Cut the Wire
Cut a length of safety wire that is sufficient to loop around the grip with a bit of excess. You want enough wire to twist securely, but not so much that it leaves a large tail.

Step 3: Start the Wire from the Bottom
Position the safety wire around the grip, beginning at the underside (bottom). The twisted portion of the wire should end up beneath the grip, out of the way of your hands.

Step 4: Begin Twisting the Wire
Safety wire pliers are crucial for this job. These pliers lock onto the wire and have a mechanism that twists the wire for you. Start by crossing the left side of the wire over the right. Clamp the safety wire pliers at the very tip of the wire and engage the locking mechanism to hold them securely.

Turn the pliers to twist the wire clockwise. Continue twisting until the wire is snug but not overly tight—too much tension can cause the wire to snap or cut into the grip.

Step 5: Trim the Excess Wire
Using the cutters built into the safety wire pliers or a separate wire cutter, trim the wire, leaving about a quarter-inch of tail.

Step 6: Tuck the Tail Safely
This is an essential step to avoid injury or glove damage. Push the tail of the wire rearward, embedding it into the soft rubber of the grip. Ensure it’s fully recessed so it won’t snag your hands.

Step 7: Repeat for Each Grip
Follow the same procedure for the second wire on the same grip and twice on the throttle grip. Always double-check for any sharp or protruding ends that could cause discomfort.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Avoid using wire that is too thick—it should be strong but flexible.
• Don’t twist the wire too tightly; excessive force can compromise both the grip and the wire.
• Ensure all wire ends are fully pushed into the grip to prevent them from catching your gloves or skin.

By following these steps, you’ll have a set of securely fastened grips ready to handle the toughest rides. Safety wiring your MX grips may seem like a small detail, but it’s a critical step in maximizing control and safety on the track or trail.