Tried a torque wrench vs just feeling it on a dishwasher pump swap

I had to replace a circulation pump on a Whirlpool last Tuesday and usually I just tighten by feel. This time I borrowed a torque wrench from a buddy and set it to the spec 25 inch-pounds. The difference was crazy, no wobble or leaks at all compared to my last few jobs where I would get a slow drip after a week. Has anyone else found specific bolts where a torque wrench actually matters more than others?

2 comments

2 Comments

jesse_burns85d ago

A buddy of mine used to work on his old Ford pickup by feel until he snapped a brake caliper bolt clean off in the parking lot. He had to drill it out and retap the hole, which took him the whole weekend. After that, he picked up a cheap torque wrench and hasn't touched a brake job without it since.

rileyl674d agoMost Upvoted

Read somewhere that most DIY brake bolts snap around 80 ft-lbs.