A lead mechanic told me my torque wrench technique was off by a quarter turn

I was working on a Cessna 172's landing gear bolts last month, and the lead mechanic, Dave, watched me for a minute. He said, 'You're pulling too fast, you're not letting the wrench settle. You're probably over-torquing by about 15 foot-pounds.' I always thought speed was fine if the click felt right. I slowed way down, letting the wrench do the work, and re-checked my last few bolts. Sure enough, they were over. Now I take a full three seconds on the pull. Has anyone else had a simple tip completely change a basic task like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

morgan_ward612mo ago

That "letting the wrench settle" idea applies to more than just torque wrenches. I found the same thing when I was learning to use a click-type canning jar lifter, of all things. Rushing the pull meant I'd sometimes crush the lid before it sealed right.

jade6392mo ago

That "letting the wrench settle" thing was a game changer for me too. I do the same slow pull now and my readings are way more consistent.