PSA: Had a torque wrench calibration sticker expire mid-job on a Cessna 172

I was finishing up the annual on a 172 last Tuesday, torquing the cylinder base nuts to 300 inch-pounds. Right as I got to the last one, I noticed the calibration sticker had expired two days prior. I stopped and borrowed a good wrench from the shop next door, but it got me thinking. Some guys say you should stop the job right then and send the tool out, no matter what. Others say if the wrench feels fine and you're almost done, finishing is okay as long you get it calibrated after. What's the real rule in your shop when this happens? I don't want to be the guy who cuts a corner.

2 comments

2 Comments

dianagreen1d ago

Wait, 300 inch-pounds on a Cessna?

umac711d ago

You ever actually put a torque wrench on a Cessna cowling bolt? In my experience, 300 inch-pounds is not that wild for some of the bigger hardware, like the ones holding the nose gear strut. Your mileage may vary depending on the exact model and part, but that number doesn't automatically seem wrong to me.