Seasoned A&P told me to stop using speed handles on panel screws

I had a guy with 30 years at Delta pull me aside last month after he saw me zipping off a K919 panel with a speed handle. He said I was gonna oval out every hole and cause a headache for the next guy. I switched to a ratcheting screwdriver with the clutch set low and honestly the panels sit way flatter now. It takes a little longer but I don't have to ream out any holes or replace clips. Anyone else get chewed out for using the wrong tool on a simple job?

3 comments

3 Comments

kellyallen11h ago

Did you ever use a Yankee screwdriver back in the day, those things were brutal on hardware.

hannahj4910h ago

oh man, the Yankee screwdriver is a perfect example of how we used to think brute force was the answer to everything. In my experience, that same mindset shows up in a lot of places today, like people using the heaviest duty cleaner on a simple stain instead of just a little soap and water. Your mileage may vary, but I've seen it in software updates too, where they just pile on more features when really they should be trimming things down. It's like we forget that a lighter touch and a little patience can save a lot of heartache in the long run.

rowanw915h ago

Yeah but sometimes brute force is exactly what you need to get the job done.