Question about proper torque wrench storage after a hangar check in Dallas
During a recent spot check at a hangar in Dallas, I saw three different techs leaving their click-type torque wrenches set at 150 inch-pounds on the bench overnight. That's a surefire way to mess up the calibration over time. I always wind mine back to the lowest setting after each use, but is there an actual FAA advisory circular or manufacturer spec that covers this? What's your shop's official rule?
You're right that leaving them set is bad, but I have to push back on the "surefire way to mess up the calibration" part. In my experience, a night at a high setting won't ruin it. The real damage comes from months of storage like that, or from dropping it. The spring takes a permanent set over a very long time. Still, winding it down is a perfect habit that prevents that long-term creep.