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TIL a lot of guys are still using the wrong torque on the Bendix ADF-900 antenna base
I've seen three different techs at my hangar in Phoenix over-tighten those mounting bolts, thinking 'more is better' for vibration. The manual clearly states 35 inch-pounds, but they crank it past 50 and strip the threads. It matters because a stripped base means a full antenna replacement and a huge delay. Anyone else run into this specific torque spec being ignored?
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the_margaret6mo ago
Is this just a mechanic thing or does it happen everywhere? My neighbor nearly welded his lawnmower blade on because he thought "tight is right." Same with people who crank every knob on the stove to high, thinking it'll cook faster. There's a weird belief that more force always equals a better result, even when the instructions say the exact opposite. It's like we're hardwired to ignore specs and just hulk out on stuff.
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the_olivia6mo ago
But what if the instructions are wrong sometimes? I've seen specs that were way too loose and things just fell apart.
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maryh965mo ago
Oh man, tell me about it. I swear some people think torque specs are just suggestions from the manufacturer who doesn't know what they're doing. @the_olivia, you raise a fair point, but usually the manual is right on stuff like this because someone already did the math and testing. I feel like we need to start issuing tiny torque wrenches with a sign that says '35 inch-pounds or I will find you.' It's just plain silly to hulk out on an antenna base like you're trying to tighten a lug nut on a dump truck.
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