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Just realized I've been over-torquing engine mount bolts for years

I was helping a new guy on a Cessna 172 last week, and he asked why I was using the click wrench on the highest setting. I told him that's how I was taught, always go firm. He pulled out the manual and showed me the spec was 30 ft-lbs lower than my wrench setting. I felt my face get hot. I've probably done that on a dozen planes. My old mentor must have had the wrong number stuck in his head. Has anyone else had a torque value burned into their memory that turned out to be wrong?

3 comments

3 Comments

jade321mo ago

Ever check the manual after that?

gibson.sean1mo ago

That muscle memory thing is real, happens with all sorts of routine tasks.

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derek_dixon781mo ago

Ever see someone do that with a car? My buddy drove a manual for years, then got an automatic. He told me he still reaches for the clutch and gear shift sometimes when he's tired.