4
Had to choose between a new torque wrench or a used one for a big job on a King Air
I was getting ready to do the 100 hour inspection on a King Air 200 last month and my main torque wrench was out for calibration. I had a choice: buy a brand new Snap-on digital wrench for about $800 or pick up a used but certified Proto from a guy who was retiring for half that. I went with the used Proto, figuring the cert was good and the savings would help. It worked great for most of the job, but on the final engine mount bolts, I started getting inconsistent clicks that made me nervous. I stopped, borrowed a buddy's wrench to finish, and sent the Proto back to the shop. Turns out the spring was just starting to go. It was a good lesson in trusting your gut when a tool feels off, even with paperwork. Has anyone else had a used tool pass cert but still act up on a critical job?
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
foster.tessa1mo ago
That's exactly why I get nervous even with a current cert. The paper says it's good on the day they test it, but it doesn't tell you how the tool was treated for the last five years. A worn spring or a dirty mechanism can hide until you hit that one specific torque value. Your story is a perfect example of why stopping was the only right call, paperwork or not.
6
murray.cora1mo ago
My old torque wrench passed its test but slipped on a cylinder head bolt, costing me a whole weekend.
1