Questioning your repairs

Do you guys suffer the same struggles that i do. I always second guess and worry about something i just fixed. The harder the project the more i tend to worry. I'm mainly thinking auto repair but this can apply to any type of repair to be honest.

Now don't get me wrong i know what I'm doing when it comes to the auto repair. I have either done it in the past or I've studied up on it before tackling the job. But no matter how it goes i always worry when the vehicle rolls out of the shop.

I will worry, did i get everything tight or i hope i got that gasket in right. I'll worry did i get enough silicone on the gasket. Did i over silicone it so that will cause a leak.

When I'm fixing I'll stop part way through and just look at the job. Look at my parts pile. I'll talk to my self and touch the parts I've already put in. I'm trying to give my self that extra boost of confidence. But at the end of the day i still worry. And i think the main thing is I. Want to put out a good repair, I want the customer happy the first time and not need to make a warranty appointment, but most of all I don't want to hurt the customer.

Double check yourself through the entire process, stay organized and don't get in a hurry.

@bobkyllo; I was the same way when I started out brother. Every repair I did I would fret and worry and second guess and question. And I think that is a good thing because it made me very conscientious to do any repair right. But eventually I came to have confidence in my abilities and my knowledge and my experience as a mechanic. So, by the time that I moved on from wrenching, I didn't worry and fret so much. 

Not stupid. Things happen. It's how you handle these situations that define you. I've had my share of mishaps in the service trade. Early in my career one was bad enough the boss ripped out our ad in the client's phone book saying don't call us again. Learn, improve, and be confident

I try to replay it in my head which is why I can’t talk while I am working. If I can’t remember doing it I go back and check it. Doing what you are doing is a good idea and seems to work for you. Tell the customers they are not allowed in the work area or really make them think you are crazy. I usually lose it when they leave the shop and call back in an hour and I recognize their number and I have that ole sh&$ moment. Interesting thing happened to me today, customer called asking what kind of injectors I put in his truck three years ago, he had it at another shop and the mechanic can’t figure out what is wrong with the truck. He thought I used aftermarket but I never use those I only use Ford reman. Pissed me off he took it to someone else’s and calls me wanting me to diagnose it over the phone. On a Saturday…..

Yes, I've always run the job thru my head at least once trying to uncover any mixup before it leaves.  And always look the machine over for tools, hardware etcetera before moving it out. Been doing that since I was 17, that's 49 years. 

Sometimes I'm glad I don't charge. Neighbor lady ran over something with her zero turn and the deck was vibrating badly. I looked at it and after removing both blades and overlaying them on top of each other one had a slight bend. Took it back to her and said it needs new blades. Next week she brings me the new blades and I install them. Deck shook just as bad. Pulled belt off to spin the spindles and one had the bearing out of it. So bad the balls fell out as I spun it by hand. Told her she needs a new one. Next week she brings me a new spindle and I install it. You guessed it. Still shook just as bad but this time I was at a loss on finding anything else. At that point I told her I'm out and time for someone with fresh eyes to look at it. Felt bad for her but I was to a point that I would start replacing everything that might cause it. My luck it would have been a warped deck causing it. Last I heard she is getting a guy to cut it for her and she plans on replacing the mower next spring.

Then, its the no hurry- next day - is it done yet ? I gotta have it ,, F - them