🔍 Key Concepts

• How valve seats and sealing surfaces can be damaged by excessive force • Difference between initially closing a valve and then "backing off" or reseating it • Why over-tightening with tools can deform or score the valve seat

💭 Think About

• Think about which method allows the valve to contact the seat firmly without crushing or galling the seating surfaces • Consider what happens to the valve stem and seat if you apply maximum force after it has already reached the closed position • Ask yourself which procedure is most commonly recommended to prevent damage and ensure a repeatable, reliable seal over time

✅ Before You Answer

• Eliminate any option that clearly over-tightens the valve beyond normal hand force • Be cautious of any method that depends on tools like a wrench rather than normal operating force, unless it is a designed part of the valve gear • Look for the choice that allows a positive close while avoiding damage to the valve seat and stem threads over repeated use