Can we talk about torque seal application on control surface bolts?

I keep seeing guys slapping torque seal all over the bolt head and nut where you can't even tell if it's actually been torqued. It's supposed to be a thin line across the fastener, not a glob that hides everything. How do you all train new mechanics on this without sounding like a jerk about it?

2 comments

2 Comments

caseyc3025d ago

Man, I've been there. The way I handle it is I grab a clean bolt and a paint marker and show them what a proper line looks like right there on the bench, just a thin streak across the head and nut. Then I tell them if they can't see the torque seal break when they're doing a pre-flight check, they're not doing their job right. It helps to keep it simple - the seal is just a witness mark, not a decoration.

barbararamirez25d ago

Wait, you actually pull out a paint marker and show them right there on the bench? That's honestly the most direct way I've seen someone handle it. I've had the same issue with our new guys, and it drives me nuts when they slap a thick blob of torque seal on there like they're frosting a cake. Then they get all confused when the check shows the bolt hasn't moved but the seal is cracked. I've started just handing them a single bolt and telling them "less is more, you're not painting a masterpiece." It's frustrating how many people think the amount of seal matters more than just having a clear witness mark. Your way of showing them right in the moment probably saves a ton of headaches down the road.