Was skeptical about those expensive torque wrenches for avionics work, but after snapping a connector on a $2k board I changed my mind real quick.

I always used the cheap harbor freight ones thinking torque is torque, right? Then I was tightening a D-sub connector on a control board and the torque wrench didn't click at the right setting. Snapped the plastic shell clean off. Boss had to order a $2,100 replacement board. That was 3 months ago, now I only use CDI or Snap-On for critical stuff. Has anyone else had a budget tool fail at the worst possible moment?

2 comments

2 Comments

amy_martin15h ago

Bought a cheap torque screwdriver from an electronics supply place and it didn't click at all until I'd already stripped the brass insert right out of a brand new GPS antenna housing. That was a $1,200 lesson in buying proper tools. Now I stick with the name brand stuff even if it hurts my wallet upfront.

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lewis.brian6h ago

Awful feeling, @amy_martin. That sinking moment when you realize the tool didn't do its job. Had a similar thing with a cheap torque wrench from a discount auto parts store. Snapped a bolt clean off inside an engine block. Cost me two days of labor and a heli-coil kit to fix. Name brands sting upfront but they save your neck later.