I have nightmares about loose stems on bicycles. Besides the financial liability possibly incurred from a mechanic’s carelessness, there is a terrible guilt associated with such an occurrence. Even more so when injury results.

So here’s the hint. Whenever you have a stem loosened while still installed on the bike, rotate it severely off center. It’s a good reminder that the stem is loose and you can be sure to tighten the stem after you’ve aligned it with the front wheel.