Picked a cheap torque wrench over a Snap-on and it bit me hard

I had to choose between a $40 Harbor Freight clicker and a $300 Snap-on when I started working on Cessnas last month. I went cheap 'cause money was tight, figuring it'd be fine for occasional use. First engine job I did, the cheap wrench clicked at 60 ft-lbs but the bolt was barely snug. The engine mount worked loose on a test flight and the customer chewed me out. I ended up buying the Snap-on anyway, cost me more in the long run. Who here has made a similar mistake with budget tools?

2 comments

2 Comments

jake_kelly2413d ago

Whoa, wait... the bolt was barely snug? That's terrifying, man. I'd be sick if something I torqued came loose like that.

jason_fisher413d ago

Dude same thing happened to me on my Jeep last year, I was so sure I got it right and then found it finger tight a week later. Still can't shake that feeling every time I torque something now.