I mean, I've definitely had to talk a client down from that ledge before. It's like trying to explain why you shouldn't cut your own hair with hedge clippers.

Sounds like your multimeter's been through more than my last relationship.

That's the classic move right there. Had one last month that just would not budge past 160 for what felt like forever. Sometimes you just gotta give up on the bark and wrap it to get it done.

You said seeing it happen would change your mind, and that's exactly the point. We hear about these systems working in theory, but then you watch them play out in real life. It stops being about order and just becomes a tool to keep things the same, to block new people from even trying. Once you see those empty spots and the crazy hoops people have to jump through, you can't unsee it. Makes you wonder how many good ideas we never even get to see because of all the red tape.

My old foreman in Colorado Springs had a strict rule, we had to leave the torque wrench on top of the panel until the inspection was done. He'd check for tool marks on the lugs and if the wrench was put away, you were redoing every connection on your own time. It was the only way to make the habit stick for some guys.