FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions: General

  • Yes, we are compliant and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standard.

    We welcome customers to schedule a tour of our lab and, if needed, conduct an audit to support their quality system requirements.

  • Tool Testing Lab was founded in 1988 by Ted Bowden to support aviation technicians with calibration and repair services.

    Over time, strong customer relationships and referral business led us to specialize in the calibration of technician hand tools.

  • Standard send-in calibrations are completed within one week or less.

    Expedite Service options (including Next Day, Same Day, and Next on Bench) are also available.

    Turnaround time may extend if repairs are required, parts must be ordered, or we are awaiting customer approval.

    • Same Day Service: 50% surcharge

    • Next Day Service: 25% surcharge

    • Next On Bench: 100% surcharge (your tools are placed next in queue and completed while you wait)

    Please specify your preferred expedite option when sending in your tools.

    Expedite surcharges do not include shipping, handling, or other additional charges.

  • Yes. While most tools can be serviced efficiently through our standard send-in calibration process, TTL also provides on-site calibration at your facility for large, fixed, or sensitive equipment.

    Ourmobile team follows the same standards as our in-lab services.

  • Every calibration includes a long-form, NIST-traceable certificate with full measurement data and associated uncertainties.

    Most services can be delivered with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited certificates.

  • For your first submission, please include:

    • Company name

    • Name to appear on the certification

    • Billing name and address

    • Shipping address (if different than billing address)

    • Contact name, phone number, and email

    • List of tools being sent

    • Any special requests

    • How you want your tools shipped back

    • Shipping or freight account number (if returning freight collect)

    For future submissions, you only need to include:

    • Company name

    • List of tools

    • Any special requests

    New customers may find it easiest to complete our New Customer Form, or Contact Us if you have any questions.

  • Yes, however, please note that certain tools require temperature stabilization before we can start to measure and certify them.

    If you choose to wait, a Next On Bench‍ 100% surcharge applies.

  • We regularly add new calibration and testing equipment and expand our procedures as our customers’ needs evolve.

    If you don’t see a specific item or requirement listed, please contact us.

  • Yes, we can measure and certify custom tools as long as we have a part drawing or complete measurement details for the dimensions you want certified.

  • We provide a complimentary reminder report that’s sent periodically if you have tools that are coming due or past due for calibration.

    • The report helps you plan upcoming calibrations

    • There is no charge for this service

    • You may opt out at any time if you prefer not to receive reminders

    If tools remain past due for an extended period, they may be marked inactive in our system until calibration is completed.

  • We retain customer calibration records for a minimum of 5 years and up to 10 years by request.

  • Yes, we can update the name on the certification at your request. You or your new employer can contact us, and we’ll provide an updated copy.

    Most companies accept an existing certification under a previous name until the tool is due for recertification.

  • Yes, contact us, and we will quickly send you another copy.

  • We certify instruments for use in ground test equipment only.

    We do not calibrate on-aircraft avionics or navigational equipment.

    Please see our capabilities for a full overview.

  • Our default return shipping method is ground service.

    If you prefer a different method, include your carrier and account number with your shipment; we can honor almost any requested shipping method.

  • We accept payment by check, ACH, and credit card, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and most corporate cards.

    A 3% processing fee applies to credit card payments. Payments made by ACH or check do not include this fee.

    • For calibration services, we will set up a 30-day open account when you first send us tools. Accounts remain active as long as payment stays current.

    • For new tool purchases, we require a prior history of payment before offering an open account.

  • Pricing may vary based on the instrument type and measurement range.

  • We will perform a quick, complimentary evaluation to determine whether your tool is functional and eligible for certification.

    • If the unit doesn’t work, we can provide documentation stating that the tool was found nonfunctional and returned as is with no data collected (at no charge to you).

    • If the tool is functional but cannot be adjusted to pass certification, we will provide an As Found Report with the data collected during testing (charges apply).

    Normal shipping charges apply when returning your tool.

  • Our minimum charge is $26.00 per invoice.

  • Yes, we typically contact you if a repair exceeds $15 on any tool.

    You may also set a pre-approved repair limit (for example, a percentage of the tool’s replacement cost, such as 50% or 75%). This helps us complete service and return tools more quickly.

  • We will notify you if we cannot certify your tool because it needs repair beyond our capabilities.

    You can then request that we send it back to the manufacturer for repair.

  • We do not maintain a drug testing program, since it is not an FAA requirement for ground M&TE calibration services.

    Our qualified personnel ensure quality and compliance through accredited procedures and controlled processes.

  • Contact Us by phone or online form.

    A real person will respond and connect you with the right team member.

Calibrate With Certainty. Buy With COnfidence.