Date:         Sun, 7 Nov 2004 11:39:48 -0500
Reply-To:     Dennis <guskersthecat@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis <guskersthecat@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Torque wrench use

My one comment here, and I have 2 click type and one beam torque wrench, is
simply the fact that in using any torque wrench, you are probably going
beyond what many consider sufficient.  I am a great believer in torquing to
spec, but I've observed many situations, including a few larger shops,
where a torque wrench is the exception rather than the rule.  Yes, I do see
torque wrenchs on cylinder head bolts, but not often elsewhere.

I am not a trained mechanic, (but I've spent a lot of time working on their
computer systems) perhaps there are a few on this list who can speak to
this issue.  I would guess that many mechs who are experienced, ballpark
the torque setting on feel, particularly on chassis work, which in turn
allows them to get through a job much quicker.  I have seen this time and
time again, and I wonder if this is question of the shop reputation, or an
example of me being overly particular.  As I don't work on hundreds of
cars, just my own three, torqueing to spec makes me feel comfortable with
my work, perhaps an experienced tech doesn't always need the torque spec?

No slight to mechanics here, just an honest question.