Torquing About

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KIT33R
KIT33R
NSW
1716 posts
NSW, 1716 posts
4 Aug 2018 11:29am
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
Leighbreeze
WA
557 posts
WA, 557 posts
4 Aug 2018 3:36pm
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
Gorgo
VIC
5124 posts
VIC, 5124 posts
4 Aug 2018 5:38pm
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
horey69
QLD
500 posts
QLD, 500 posts
4 Aug 2018 6:56pm
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
RAL INN
SA
2898 posts
SA, 2898 posts
5 Aug 2018 5:17am
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
KIT33R
NSW
1716 posts
NSW, 1716 posts
5 Aug 2018 12:06pm
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
Fly on da wall
SA
725 posts
SA, 725 posts
6 Aug 2018 10:14am
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
RAL INN
SA
2898 posts
SA, 2898 posts
6 Aug 2018 10:38am
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
KIT33R
NSW
1716 posts
NSW, 1716 posts
6 Aug 2018 11:41am
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
Plummet
4862 posts
4862 posts
6 Aug 2018 5:38pm
Make sure you use the right Allen key and go for a firm wrench tight. if
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