Bolt Torque Question

 For the grabrails bolts on my Honda (bolts with a 12mm head), the service
manual doesn't have a torque spec (it just says "tighten securely" or
something like that).

Are there any general guidelines?

I just put a ratchet on it and use one hand and twist until it feels snug
(my index finger is typically about even with the bolt and my pinkie has
about 5 inches of leverage).

Is there a better method or a more precise way of thinking about it?

Thanks.

--
David T. Ashley              (dta@e3ft.com)
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Have you considered hiring a motorcycle consultant?
And/or seeing someone about your OCD ??  ;-)

 
I've heard that most males overtighten things.  I'm just curious whether
there are any mechanic's rules of thumb about how tight.

For all I know, most people torque on it with two hands.  Or maybe torque it
to a specific value based on bolt size.

I think the question is reasonable ... how snug is snug?

 


Yes. Stop just before it breaks or strips.

But seriously, on bolts where there's no torque spec given it's because the
makers didn't think it was necessary. This is usually because there are a
wide range of torque settings that will work just fine in that application.

If in doubt, squeeze a drop or two of blue loctite -the *non*-permanant
stuff- onto the threads and tighten the bolt or nut down, um, snugly.


How high is up?

 
OK, that begs another question because I'm a once-a-year mechanic.

I did use Loctite Blue (or some similar product that is blue) on the four
bolts that hold the side brackets, the passenger back rest, and the luggage
carrier together.  I'm familiar with that product.  I did not use it on the
grab rail bolts.

I've taken apart things rattle-proofed with Loctite Blue, and they typically
take a fair amount of torque to get apart -- the stuff works well.

I've never actually used the red stuff.  How permanent is it?  More force
required than with the blue stuff, or you just plain can't get it apart?

And does the blue stuff damage the metal at all (i.e. can you use it on the
same set of parts 10 times, for example)?