Quote:
Originally Posted by thstone
Designers will specify more or larger bolts than needed in order to ensure that the joints are sufficiently clamped together. It is true that fewer or smaller fasteners could be used if bolt preload was more accurately and consistently controlled - but that is not practical nor realistic. And historically, the over-design of the fastener has been far cheaper than controlling the tightening process in a factory (and which is nearly uncontrolled in a DIY/backyard mechanic scenario).
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Let's not undersell engineers or suggest sloppiness is ok for mechanics ...
There are plenty of instances I suggest where things are not overbuilt ... race cars, for example. (See Colin Chapman). Aircraft ... weight gets pretty critical.
Weight is pretty critical in a world where fuel economy is a big deal, too, as our politicians mandate. I owned several Mercedes before I purchased my Boxster and my first impression was the Boxster was pretty chintzy. Then I thought a little more about it having an aluminum jack.
You want the mechanics that maintain the airplanes you fly in to follow the rules. I worked in nuclear weapons and I know you want rules followed there, too. Let's encourage following the rules in Porsche maintenance, too. I've big doubts whether cheap tools are following the rules.