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I finally stopped over-tightening refrigerator compressor bolts after 8 years in the trade
Was working on a Samsung RF28 model last Tuesday, replacing a bad start relay. Snapped the bolt head clean off the compressor. Customer watched me do it too. My old mentor saw the picture I sent him and said 'you know those are only supposed to be torqued to like 15 inch-pounds right?' I'd been cranking them down like lug nuts this whole time. How many compressors have I probably killed by warping the mounting plate? Anyone else ever realize they've been doing some basic thing wrong for years?
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oliviagrant17d ago
Well would you believe it. That reminds me of how we tend to overdo things in all sorts of areas without even thinking about it. I think it's because most of us learn by watching other people, and they're probably doing it wrong too. So it just keeps going down the line. I've seen it with tightening bolts on furniture, and even with how people screw in lightbulbs. They crank them until they can't turn anymore, but a gentle snug is usually plenty. Your story hits on a bigger pattern of how we all tend to use way more force than needed, assuming more is better. It's a good reminder to stop and question the basics every now and then.
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martin.felix16d ago
Don't you think we all just get into bad habits without even noticing? You're right, it's like we see someone else cranking down on something and figure that must be the right way.
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