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Torquing About

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Created by KIT33R > 9 months ago, 4 Aug 2018
KIT33R
NSW, 1714 posts
4 Aug 2018 11:29AM
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I've managed to break 2 of the brass square nuts (M8) in the track that hold the mast plate to board. I think I over tightened them. Since I have a torque wrench can anyone recommend a torque setting for brass nuts which are only a few mm thick? Also, I'm considering machining up a few stainless nuts since I assume they will be stronger - is this a good idea?

Leighbreeze
WA, 531 posts
4 Aug 2018 3:36PM
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Select to expand quote
KIT33R said..
I've managed to break 2 of the brass square nuts (M8) in the track that hold the mast plate to board. I think I over tightened them. Since I have a torque wrench can anyone recommend a torque setting for brass nuts which are only a few mm thick? Also, I'm considering machining up a few stainless nuts since I assume they will be stronger - is this a good idea?

Hi mate
I thought just firm tightness with Allen key.
Been using a small Bosch battery drill then a nip with Allen key .But the small drill is enough I reckon.

Gorgo
VIC, 4911 posts
4 Aug 2018 5:38PM
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Dunno about brass screws, but bicycle torque wrenches go to 5nm so you don't crush the carbon. They're fairly cheap and you can pop in a standard 1/4" hex bit.

5nm is similar to the force of finger tips on a T-handle hex key.

I am now using a Ryobi battery screwdriver and it goes to 5nm too.

horey69
QLD, 495 posts
4 Aug 2018 6:56PM
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Why bother with a torque wrench just tighten by hand thats easily enough.
I've never seen anywhere on any advertising a recommended torque setting.

RAL INN
VIC, 2880 posts
5 Aug 2018 5:47AM
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Golden rule for tightening bolts.
tighten till thread strips then back off a quarter turn.

but really. Now you know that what you did was too much , just do less.

maybe look for stainless instead of brass.

KIT33R
NSW, 1714 posts
5 Aug 2018 12:06PM
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Thanks guys, I've made up some stainless nuts. See how they go. I think I was going too hard on the wrench.

Fly on da wall
SA, 725 posts
6 Aug 2018 10:14AM
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Good idea, I had the same problem with the soft brass nuts giving way where the step/weak point is.
Switched them out and no problems... But I'm pretty hard on my gear and the amount of pressure that
I put them under.

RAL INN
VIC, 2880 posts
6 Aug 2018 11:08AM
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It's been too long since I've sourced the brass slide nuts but the thing to look for is that the step Corner is not sharp but has a slight fillet.
you only need about 30% more thread length in brass to get back to the strength of stainless. And those stepped slide nuts achieve this easily.

if anyone has a source for these, I'd like to know.

KIT33R
NSW, 1714 posts
6 Aug 2018 11:41AM
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Select to expand quote
RAL INN said..
It's been too long since I've sourced the brass slide nuts but the thing to look for is that the step Corner is not sharp but has a slight fillet.
you only need about 30% more thread length in brass to get back to the strength of stainless. And those stepped slide nuts achieve this easily.

if anyone has a source for these, I'd like to know.


I broke 2 of the stepped ones. But they were old and a dubious history. They came off a Slingshot board. It's worth calling Kitepower, I know they are getting some spare nuts in soon. Also, Axis is supplying stainless nuts.

Plummet
4862 posts
6 Aug 2018 5:38PM
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Make sure you use the right Allen key and go for a firm wrench tight. if



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"Torquing About" started by KIT33R