Re: [VAL] Hitch problems

["Tom" <thomm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Personally, I wouldn't use anything on the bolt threads that was not
specifically called for by the manufacturer.  I think you could possibly run
into a liability issue if you are using a liquid on the threads and *then*
torque the nuts to a listed value.  In effect, what you would be doing is
"wet torque" and unless that method is specifically called for by the
manufacturer it's not a *correct* torque method.

"Dry torque" is what is called for and that begins with "dry" threads on all
the fastener parts.  Once you begin to tighten things it should be a fluid
motion; don't stop mid-way to the set torque value.  If you have to stop or
are interrupted while torquing these fasteners you *need to* back the nut
off slightly and begin torquing again with a fluid motion until the set
value is reached.

As you can see there is a big difference between wet torque, dry torque
along with stopping and starting over again once you've got the parts moving
towards a set torque value.  If it ever came to *methods used* when the
fasteners were torqued to specs, you want to be on the *right side* of the
argument.  And it's not just about liability issues; it's also about proper
mechanical methods used to obtain a level of safety for you and others.

Once the nuts are torqued to specs there would be nothing wrong with placing
painted line or some other type of *index mark* that you can visually check
to see if anything has backed off.  I'd never put silicone on any threads
that needed a set torque value as torque requires dry threads unless a wet
torque is specifically called for.  The differences are really day and
night.

How nice it would be if once things are torqued to the correct value they
could be safety-wired to keep the parts tight. ;)

Tom
WBCCI 5303