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?

3 comments

3 Comments

blake_cooper1mo ago

Seeing that drives me nuts too, and it definitely hurts the tool.

the_ben1mo ago

I used to disagree, but seeing it in action changed my mind.

the_thomas27d ago

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.