Date:         Fri, 27 May 2011 10:32:48 -0500
Reply-To:     Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Torque spec that requires calibrated fingers
Comments: To: Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <1306505587.30903.58.camel@TheJackUbuntuNetbook>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

He's kinda right. The notion that you would torque a fastener by hand runs
counterintuitive to owning the wrench, in a way, but there is some truth to
it. You can learn what a certain pull is if you pull it enough. Of course
you have to figure in the length of the wrench you are using, but you learn
that too. My dad used a torque wrench only a couple of times in my life that
I saw; the other times he was "torquing by feel." He sure worked on a lot of
stuff torquing by feel. He also snapped off more than his share of bolts. I
use a torque wrench were I can, and by feel where I can't.

You figure it out the same way you can tell what something weighs without
using a scale just by hefting it. Same thing.

Jim

On Fri, May 27, 2011 at 9:13 AM, Rocket J Squirrel <
camping.elliott@gmail.com> wrote:

> tencentlife's adapter kit for connecting a adapter which allows a fellow
> to mount a oil pressure gauge sender alongside the stock oil pressure
> warning light sender has this to say about torquing:
>
> "Torque recommendations are meant as relative guides, it will not
> generally possible to actually use a torque wrench on the fittings in
> this installation."
>
> "...Tighten the fitting carefully, it has a taper thread so it will seal
> into the case hole with moderate torque, generally less than 8-10ft.lb."
>
> and
>
> "The compression fittings should attain a good seal with only
> 10-12ft.lb. of torque, so don't overdo it."
>
> I'm assuming that some of yinz have fingers calibrated after many years
> of experience. Is there any wisdom that can be shared here?
>
> -- RJS
>