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Serious question - why does everyone act like torque wrenches are the only way to fly? Found a detail that changed my mind
Was reading through the FAA AC 43.13-1B the other night, and it straight up says you can use a beam type or even a good ol dial indicator for a lot of critical stuff if you know what you're doing. The torque wrench crowd makes it sound like you'll kill someone if you don't click it at exactly 160 inch pounds. I've been using a beam style on engine mounts for 6 years without a single issue. Who else has gotten away with something besides the standard clicker?
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amy_martin6d ago
A beam wrench is basically the mullet of torque tools - business up top, party in the oil pan. I've been rockin' one for years and my engine mounts are still attached, so I guess the FAA and I are on the same page.
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ryan7936d ago
Three weeks ago I watched my buddy Mike try to torque a head bolt with a Harbor Freight clicker and it snapped at 40 ft-lbs on a spec that called for 35. Been thinking about that ever since because @jenny_lee is right - beam wrenches just give you a straight reading with no spring to suddenly fail on you. It's like how I still use a mechanical pressure gauge instead of those digital ones that die right when you need them most. Old tech that actually works beats new tech that sorta works half the time.
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