Unpopular opinion: most guys torque tubes way past spec and it's ruining flanges
Was on a boiler rebuild outside Tulsa two weeks back and watched a fitter hit a 3 inch tube with 1,200 ft lbs when the spec sheet called for 300. He said it was to be safe, but all that does is stretch the threads and crush the seat. Sure enough, three tubes in that same bank failed hydro the next morning and we spent a full shift cutting them back out. Torque values exist for a reason, guys. I get wanting to snug it up, but overdoing it just buys you a rework ticket and a mad super. Anyone else seeing this on their jobs, or am I just working with butchers?