Old head at the hangar called me out on my torque wrench technique

Was working on a Cessna 172's wheel assembly last month. An older mechanic, been at it 30 years, watched me for a minute. He said, 'Kid, you're pulling that wrench like you're starting a lawnmower. You're gonna over-torque every bolt.' He showed me the smooth, steady pull to the click. Changed my whole routine. Now I do it his way every time. Anyone else get schooled on a basic tool like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

paige_martin2mo ago

Actually, that smooth pull is key for any torque wrench, not just click types.

henry_webb682mo ago

Yeah, but you're both missing the point about beam wrenches. The smooth pull matters for the click, but with a beam style you're watching the needle. If you jerk it, the needle bounces past the real reading. Steady pressure lets you see it climb right to the number. It's a different kind of focus.

paul1172mo ago

Exactly, that smooth pull is so important. I've seen guys get wild readings because they jerked the wrench instead of a steady pull. It makes a huge difference in getting it right.