Using Torque wrench
 

Every time I got the car back from the shop, the torque values are never right. Most of the time it's 30% to 50% off. I need the 1/2 15mm with crowbar to open the oil drain plug!!! I don't think the mechanics ever use the torque wrench. They torque the nuts and bolts mainly by feel. They are overall pretty goood. I don't have any breakage or leak problem. No, I did not go to the regular auto service shops. The shops I am talking about are major 911 shops in greater L.A. area with labor rate of $95 per hour. My advise is recheck everytime you get the car back. Don't trust them because they only service 911s.

My advice is work on your own car.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Superman
[B]My advice is work on your own car.


Agreed. Plus, it's a good excuse to buy some awesome tools! :D

I do have 3 Snap-on and 3 Craftsman toque wrenches.

but that is not a critical torque fastener.

Worry about the rods, head studs, wheel lugs, flywheel bolts etc.

As long as the drain plug is not too tight (strip) or too loose -- no worries.

People are always torquing things that don't need it. The irony is -- they are usually using an inaccurate, uncalibrated wrench to do it.

After some time (e.g. on your oil drain) a bolt will take considerably more torque to break loose than to fasten it.

George