If any fasteners do not freely thread together by hand, which action should you take to prevent damage to expensive components?

• A. Stop and ask a TA before damaging expensive components
• B. Force them together to finish quickly
• C. Lubricate and continue
• D. Ignore the issue

Answer: (A)

When a fastener won’t thread smoothly by hand, the move is to stop and consult a TA before risking damage to expensive components. Forcing a misaligned or damaged thread can strip threads, gall surfaces, or crack or bend delicate parts. The safe course is to pause, check alignment and cleanliness, verify you’re using the correct fastener with the right thread type and orientation, and have a qualified person confirm the next step. Lubrication isn’t a fix here, as it can mask the underlying mismatch and lead to further harm. This is exactly the kind of situation where guidance from a knowledgeable instructor helps prevent costly damage.