Professional Documents
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The value of “K” can range from In summary, the torque applied or lubricated threads. Lubricated
0.30 for a rusted assembly to 0.10, is simply a measure of the amount of threads call for a lesser torque
or less, for a clean well-lubricated energy required to spin the bolt along target value than dry threads.
assembly using a proven thread lubri- the threads, whereas tension is related Torquing a lubricated bolt to a
cant. Make note that the “K” factor is to the stretch or elongation of the bolt dry torque value may result in the
subject to application variables; the that provides the clamping force of a failure of the bolt or bolt receiver.
industry accepted “K” factor for clean joint. 4.) Use a calibrated torque wrench
plain bolts is 0.20. However this fac- The following are quick reference for tightening only. The calibrated
tor is reduced to 0.10 should the bolt tips for bolt tightening: torque wrench should be properly
be well lubricated which will result in 1.) Know the bolt grade and type to sized for the bolt to be tightened.
an entirely different torque figure. be used. Do not use a “cheater” (exten-
Table 1 below lists generally 2.) Reference a bolt torque table for sion) bar as this will invalidate the
accepted figures for the “K” factor target values. torque reading resulting in non-
based on industry standards. 3.) Determine the torque target value compliant bolting procedure.
A commonly asked question and special considerations such as
is: “What torque should be used to whether you are working with dry Continued On Page 10
tighten Grade 5 bolts?”
Table 2 considers the
above listed torque formula
and ASTM standards. Notice
the dramatic reduction in
torque applicable to lubri-
cated threads.
Note that the torque values
suggested in the table above
are presented as a general
guide only. Torque is a very
indirect indication of tension;
there might be other factors
involved such as friction, lu-
brication, surface texture, rust,
material type, the use of wash-
ers or prevailing-torque nuts,
thread conditions, debris, etc.
that may affect the outcome.
Charts For Other Types
And Grades
There are additional bolt
torque charts available for
other bolt grades and types;
please be sure you have the
appropriate chart. A properly
tightened bolt is one that is
stretched so it pulls mating
surfaces without exceeding
the design rating of the bolt or
components.
5.) Tighten the bolts in a balanced pattern change that may need to take place on that will add to the overall quality of
when possible to reduce preloaded the service center floor. This requires the motor rebuild.
clamping of the joints to be secured. a move from using an impact wrench v v v v v v v
or an extension bar to get the bolt as
Conclusion tight as possible, to the implementa- Editor’s Note: A PDF of this article is
Implementing proper bolt torque tion of a bolt torque procedure. The available in the “Members Only” sec-
procedures is a quality issue that reli- ultimate objective is that the motor tion of www.easa.com. If can be found
ability and precision oriented custom- has been assembled to a specification in the “Design/Theory/Application”
ers are demanding. There is a culture section under “Technical Articles.”