This refers to a system or repair built from mismatched parts and poorly integrated components. Engineers and mechanics build these to bypass design flaws or get a prototype working quickly without waiting for proper fabrication. Though they work, they are notoriously fragile, difficult to maintain, and a nightmare for the next technician to troubleshoot.
Heard on the job
The wiring harness on this test bench is an absolute kludge but it passes a signal.
Do not mix it up with
- Jury rig: A kludge is a clumsy design that might be permanent, while a jury rig is a temporary emergency fix.