TIL my torque wrench habits were way off after a lead mechanic called me out

Been turning wrenches at Gulf Coast Aviation for about 4 years now. Last month, the lead guy saw me click my torque wrench down to zero after a job and just said "you're killing that tool. Keep tension on it between uses." I always thought full release was the proper way. Changed my storage habits that same day and my calibration cycle already feels smoother. Anybody else get told something basic that turned out to be dead wrong?

2 comments

2 Comments

simons2822d ago

Three years turning wrenches at a diesel shop and nobody ever told me that. Now I feel stupid about every torque wrench I've ever owned.

grant_hart22d ago

Oh man, that one stings. I had a similar wakeup call a few years back with my impact gun. I always kept it on the highest setting for everything because I figured more power was better. A buddy of mine who restores old motorcycles saw me zipping lugs on my truck and just shook his head. He told me I was basically asking for stripped threads and snapped bolts down the line (and he was right). Now I actually think about the right torque for each job instead of just going full caveman on it. It's funny how the little habits you never question can mess things up so bad. Live and learn I guess.