| Author | Message | ||
     Bob uk Unregistered guest Posted From: 94.197.122.87 |
A hammer is very handynamic tool. For this job, 2oz straight pane one end tapering down to 1/2 inch. 12" hickory handle. When checking under trucks for loose bolts if a torque wrench is used then a lot of time and sockets will be needed. Which if there is say 10 trucks then that's a days work. And a worn out mechanic. So assuming that the truck has been serviced correctly and a check is needed by a second mechanic to make sure the first hadn't forgotten a bolt. Hit the bolt with the hammer and it should sound solid with a slight ring. Then the bolt is tight and therefore it.can be assumed that the bolt has been torqued. If it sounds feeble then it is loose. Wheel nuts,track rod lock nuts, lock stops, and king pin cotter pins are common to be missed by Pressed mechanics working together not sure who's doing what. I can do a truck in 5 mins like this. Try this put one wheel nut on finger tight and compare to a tight one. Hold hammer at the proper end not the head end index finger on the handle or shaft and look at the bolt and sort of flick the hammer at it using the wrist. (Message approved by david_gore) | ||
| Randy Roberson Prolific User Username: wascator Post Number: 299 Registered: 5-2009 |
We do this at my employer and it is written into the operations manual.The hammer check for loose bolts is reliable. | ||
| Paul Yorke Grand Master Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 1250 Registered: 6-2006 |
Handy . . . . for any of you with 20 or so R-R's that the whole family are working on!!  You can get free membership to the wheel tappers and shunters club though | ||
| Bob uk Unregistered guest Posted From: 94.197.122.78 |
Eh by gum thout right enough. (Message approved by david_gore) | ||
| Jeff Young Prolific User Username: jeyjey Post Number: 198 Registered: 10-2010 |
Reminds me of advice from Carroll Smith (team manager for the LeMans-winning GT40s): Nuts and bolts come in two states: apart and properly torqued. Never, ever put a nut on that you're not going to immediately torque to spec. | ||
| Jan Forrest Grand Master Username: got_one Post Number: 643 Registered: 1-2008 |
Ever seen a man walking along a platform tapping train bogey wheels with a very long-handled hammer? At his retirement party after working at this job for 45 years one such worker was asked "When you tap the wheels what are you listening for?". For a moment he cocked his head to one side and slowly replied "FIIK". |
