š§ Why do HGV mechanics tap nuts and bolts with a small hammer?
If youāre new to the trade, youāve probably seen experienced mechanics lightly tapping nuts, bolts, or components with a small hammer and thought⦠what are they doing that for? Itās not just habit ā thereās a proper reason behind it. In heavy vehicle work, especially on HGVs, things like corrosion, thread tension, and seated components can all affect how parts behave when youāre stripping or refitting them. A light tap can help: - Break corrosion bonds without damaging threads - āShockā seized fasteners loose before applying force - Most importantly tells you the sound difference between a loose bolt and a tight bolt. Itās one of those small workshop techniques that doesnāt get taught properly in textbooks, but youāll see time and time again in real-world repairs. Iāve put a short video together showing exactly what I mean in practice šš„. https://youtube.com/shorts/e43ql5VzOGY?si=7TljLEQ2EWiUDvSB If youāre an apprentice or even a seasoned mechanic, this is one of those simple techniques that will give you confidence that the vehicle is safe.