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Torque Wrench Use

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Alex Kirkpatrick · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 335

I have heard from several sources that it is critical to get the correct torque (most important not to over torque) when installing a stainless bolt (particularly a sleeve style bolt). However, I have had some trouble finding data about the torque sensitivity of these bolts. How many people out there are using torque wrenches? And does anyone have some data?

mattm · · TX · Joined Jun 2006 · Points: 1,885
Alex Kirkpatrick wrote:I have heard from several sources that it is critical to get the correct torque (most important not to over torque) when installing a stainless bolt (particularly a sleeve style bolt). However, I have had some trouble finding data about the torque sensitivity of these bolts. How many people out there are using torque wrenches? And does anyone have some data?
I use one with all my mechanical bolts and know several others that do as well. 3/8" 5-Pieces have VERY low torque values and can be over torqued without too much effort. Many crustys will yak that they've been doing it forever with a 6" box wrench without issue and while likely true, the % of said bolts that have been really "tested" are extremely low. There are certainly known cases of heads popping off over torques bolts.

I can see the more bulky torque wrench being a PITA when doing ground up bolting but really see ZERO excuse not to use one when rap bolting.
john strand · · southern colo · Joined May 2008 · Points: 1,640

I have used a torque wrench when using any new (to me) style of bolt. After a while, you can get really accurate and switch to a regular wrench.

The 5 piece do have a really sensitive range..stud types not so much.

kennyp · · Vegas · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 75

I have been placing some of the new 3/8th power bolt plus' with and without a torque wrench. The required installation torque of these is 20 ft-lbs. This is actually takes a lot of work with a 6" box wrench (but maybe i'm just really week) and if I was just using the box wrench I would be in the 10-15 ft-lbs range.

Out of curiosity I wanted to see how much torque would snap one of 3/8 power bolt +, and it was at about 30 ft-lbs maybe a little bit less. It could be that my torque wrench is way off but it's fairly new, so i doubt that.

Benjamin Chapman · · Small Town, USA · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 18,818

Alex....kennyp is off slightly with his torque specs. You can check out the correct specs at powers.com or check with Kevin Daniels at fixehardware.com Kevin also has 4 or 5 instructional videos you might find informative.

kennyp · · Vegas · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 75

Hey Ben, I'm curious where i'm off with with the specs i gave? I was talking about the power bolt +, the spec sheet gives a required installation torque of 20 ft-lbs. The older style power bolt list a max torque of 25 ft-lbs (plated 3/8th).

Benjamin Chapman · · Small Town, USA · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 18,818

Hey Kennyp.....sorry. To clarify, there is a new and an older version of the Powers 5-piece sleeve-style bolt. Best to check the Powers website (www.powers.com) There is a table with specs for carbon steel (plated) and stainless steel. Per the chart ps (3.8") ...25 ft-lb, ps (1/2")...45 ft-lb, for ss (3/8")...12 ft-lb, ss (1/2")...25 ft-lb. Or if you can't find the specs at Powers, check with Kevin Daniels at Fixe Hardware (www.fixehardware). At the Fixe Hardware website just click on the style bolt you want and Kevin has the specs listed. Yes, there is some variation in torque specs in the new style vs the old style, but it depends on the version Alex is using.
Using a Torque Wrench would be advisable until you can get it right, as over torquing is very bad, especially with the smaller 3/8" ss bolts.

mustardtiger · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 20

X2. Always check your wrench before using it. I put my entire motor together for my car and broke the head off a bolt with only a handful left to install. I had to go back and retourque every bolt.

You do get the hang of it fairly quickly though. Twenty pounds should not be a struggle with a six inch box wrench though.

S.Mckinna · · Cañon City, CO · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 1,725

torque wrenches with a fixed head on a flexible bar need no calibration as far as I know. If they are over torqued the are most likely compromised. This style wrench is relatively cheap and light for climbing. If you buy two you can test one, off of the less used one, at home in a garage. There is a multitude of places to calibrate "click" style wrenches. From much experience high quality wrenches last for thousands of torques, probably more than manufacturer recommendations.

S.Mckinna · · Cañon City, CO · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 1,725

I have looked at the ratings for the powers bolts, and the powers bolt + and they seem similar minus shear strength. What is troubling to me is the skinnier diameter bolt in the sleeve of the "updated" version. I would think a skinnier diameter would result in a reduce in longevity of the placement. Given the time it takes to place a bolt on a route (even in sandstone) let alone replace bolts, doesn't this concern other route setters? I have inquired distributors but not Powers directly. Still waiting on the distributors comments before bothering with contact to the manufacturer. I sure others already know how to move forward with these bolts….

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Fixed Hardware: Bolts & Anchors
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