Used to torque everything by the book, now I trust my arm more

I started out at a small shop outside Phoenix back in 2018 and I was a stickler for the torque wrench on every single screw. I mean I would drag out the big 3/8 drive for panel fasteners that called for 15 inch-pounds. Took forever and my lead mechanic got so annoyed he pulled me aside and said "kid, your arm knows 15 inch pounds after the first hundred times." Now I only break out the torque wrench for critical stuff like prop bolts or cylinder base nuts. For most interior panels and cowling screws I just go by feel and a good click of the wrist. It's saved me probably 20 minutes on simple annuals and I haven't had a fastener back out since. Anyone else find themselves using the torque wrench way less the longer they're in the trade?

2 comments

2 Comments

parkerkim29d ago

Gotta push back a little on the 15 inch-pounds thing though. Those little panel fasteners, especially the ones holding cowling or interior trim on a Cessna, they spec that low for a reason. Too much torque and you crack the plastic or strip the nutplate. I've seen guys with good arms snap those tiny 8-32 screws clean off without even realizing it. Your lead mechanic was probably just busting your chops and meant you learn what not to do, not that the spec doesn't matter. For me, the torque wrench stays in my hand until I can feel that specific fastener bottom out without guessing.

emmafisher29d ago

And the thing is, once you've snapped a few of those little screws yourself you learn real fast why the torque spec exists. It's not about being weak, it's about knowing the material's limit.