Changed how I torque heads after a old-timer yelled at me at a shop in Billings

Got called out by a retired diesel guy named Walt at a parts counter last month. He saw me grabbing my torque wrench and said "you're gonna snap those studs before they even seat." Told me I was going too fast and not doing a three-pass sequence. I always thought I was careful but I was just doing one smooth pull to spec. Changed it up on a rebuild last week. Did 80 ft-lbs first, then 120, then final 150. Torque angle was dead perfect. Anyone else learn torque technique from a random guy in a parts store?

2 comments

2 Comments

theajohnson3h agoMost Upvoted

@nathankim probably learned all his tricks from that same school of old school thinking. Walt sounds like he knew exactly what he was talking about though. Three passes feel slower but the torque angle comes out way more consistent. I used to rush through it too and ended up with uneven readings on the final pull. That parts counter advice probably saved you a set of studs down the road.

nathankim6h ago

Walt sounds like my uncle who still swears by adjustable wrenches and brake cleaner.