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The recent discussions about proper torque on such things as
engine mount bolts reminds me that over the years I have heard from several
normally reliable sources that using a torque wrench on locking nuts (either
plastic or all metal) is not only a waste of time but possibly even a bad
idea. The logic is that because of the built in interference of the nut
either a lower than desired reading will be read or upon approaching the desired
torque the nut will "slip" and result in higher than desired torque. It's
been pointed out that truly torque-critical items, like connecting rod bolts and
case half connecting bolts never use locking nuts. In other words, if the
torque is really important don't use lock nuts. I am curious what others
on the list might have to say about this. I am not an engineer, nor do I
play one on TV, but I've been using nuts and bolts since way back in the Erector
Set days and have absorbed "do" and "don't do" advice from people whose
expertise I respect, including the above observations on torquing
fasteners. I probably won't change what's worked well for me over the
decades but perhaps someone has some compelling argument to the contrary, or
perhaps confirm what I've heard. The floor is open.
Leighton Mangels
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