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NEWS | July 17, 2023

Black Hawk: Use Proper Pliers

BLUF: Use cannon plug pliers to remove the load-demand and the power-available rotary input housing.

Soldier performs phase maintenance on a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter.
Photo by Master Sgt. Matt Hecht
 
This article initially appeared in PS 652 (Mar 07), p. 37.

Mechanics, ingenuity in performing Black Hawk maintenance is normally a good thing. But not in all cases.

If you’re removing or installing the load-demand and the power-available rotary input housing, use the required cannon plug pliers—not channel locks or vise grips. That’s because all you’ll get from using the wrong tool is an unserviceable housing and no engine power.

Remove fittings with right tool
Remove fittings with right tool

Use cannon plug pliers not channel locks
Use cannon plug pliers not channel locks
 
If no plug pliers are available, try using a strap wrench. But whatever you do, perform maintenance by the book and not from the hip.
Editor’s note: Minor revisions were made to the original article to bring it current and for accuracy.
Black Hawk
UH-60 Black Hawk
UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter
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