I used to think torque wrenches were just for the big stuff, but a hangar chief in Wichita changed my mind.

For years, I'd only pull out the torque wrench for engine mounts or flight controls, thinking my calibrated arm was fine for everything else. After a year of working under a chief who made us torque every single fastener, even on access panels, I saw a real drop in callbacks for loose hardware. Am I the only one who thinks we've gotten too casual with hand-tightening on the line?

3 comments

3 Comments

allen.iris1mo ago

Honestly, that chief in Wichita had it right. Seen too many little screws back out on gear doors and inspection plates because someone just gave it "good enough" with a ratchet. Tbh, it takes two seconds to set the wrench and get the click. Saves a ton of headache chasing down rattles or worse, a lost panel.

hayden_craig951mo ago

Ugh, that "good enough" attitude is everywhere now. It's why my new bookshelf wobbles and my phone charger falls out of the socket.

susansingh1mo ago

That "good enough" attitude is why my coffee table has three different length legs.