I finally saw the difference after switching to a torque wrench for every drain plug

For years I just used a regular ratchet and went by feel. Last month I started using a torque wrench set to 25 foot-pounds on every oil change. The before and after is in the stripped threads I haven't seen since. It takes an extra 30 seconds per car, but it stops the leaks and the comebacks. Anyone else get pushback from other techs for being 'too careful' with this?

2 comments

2 Comments

rivera.susan1mo ago

An extra 30 seconds per car" adds up to a lot of lost time over a year. You ever think that feel is just a skill some guys have and others don't?

robertsmith1mo ago

I mean, the "skill some guys have" part is what I don't agree with. That feel comes from practice, not from just being born with it. It's like learning to back a truck into a tight spot, you get better by doing it a lot. Saying it's just a natural skill lets companies off the hook for not training people right. Anyone can learn it if someone shows them how and they get the time to try.