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A lead mechanic in Atlanta told me to always torque by feel, not the wrench

This was about three years ago during a heavy check on a 737. He said, 'If you've done enough of these, your arm knows the click better than any tool.' I argued that ignoring the calibrated torque wrench was asking for trouble, especially on critical engine mounts. He just shrugged and said he hadn't had a callback in twenty years. I still use the wrench every single time, but his confidence stuck with me. Has anyone else run into this 'by feel' mindset on the line?
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3 Comments
hayes.michael
Ever consider his feel got calibrated by using the wrench for years first?
2
kim268
kim2681d ago
No way, twenty years without a callback on engine mounts?! That's pure luck, not skill. The wrench is there for a reason, especially on something that critical. I'd never bet a plane's safety on my arm feeling right.
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phoenix358
What torque spec do you trust for that bolt?
3