Pro tip: Hand-tightening bolts first saved me from a costly strip on a wing panel.

Piper Coleman · 2026-02-25T12:50:46.582034+00:00

I think hand-tightening is essential despite claims it wastes time-what do you say?

@blairh96, did that mechanic say when hand-tightening matters most? Like, on soft metals such as aluminum or with fine threads, skipping it can wreck the part. How does he switch to the wrench after the bolts are hand-tight? I've seen people strip threads by going too fast.

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blairh968mo ago

Saw a mechanic say this on YouTube.

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jamesf418mo ago

Hand-tightening is a must... saves you from costly mistakes later.

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