I finally gave in and tried the torque wrench extension chart method on a Piper gear retract job.

For years, I just eyeballed it or did the mental math when I had to use a crowfoot on a torque wrench. It always felt a bit off, especially on critical stuff like landing gear bolts. Last week, I was working on a Piper Arrow's retract actuator and decided to actually print out and use the extension calculation chart from the tool truck guy. The difference was huge. The chart said to set my wrench to 32 foot-pounds to get the proper 35 foot-pounds at the fastener with my specific 2-inch extension. When I did my old way, I was probably putting closer to 38 or 40 on there without knowing. It just felt so much more solid and correct when it clicked. I know it seems like a small thing, but after seeing how much the actual torque value shifts with even a short extension, I won't skip that step again. Has anyone else had a specific job where using the chart really saved your bacon?

3 comments

3 Comments

richardknight3mo ago

Yeah, that "torque value shifts" thing is exactly why our shop made the chart mandatory last year.

miller.avery3mo ago

Remember that one time a tech swore he had the spec memorized for a water pump? Ended up with a coolant fountain in the middle of the bay. Charts might seem like a pain, but they sure beat cleaning that mess up.

sarah1981mo ago

The coolant fountain story is gold honestly. But yeah, that torque shift thing is real and it gets worse with heat cycles. Forgetting to check the spec on something like a water pump is an expensive mistake. Especially when you gotta explain to the customer why their engine bay smells like antifreeze for a week. A quick glance at the chart saves everyone the headache.