Speedmart Tech Support
Torque Accuracy on Fasteners
Screw threads appear to be a simple concept yet much confusion and inconsistency exist regarding torque values. The mechanics of the screw thread are actually very complex and have numerous interacting variables. Sliding friction is affected by materials (like steel or aluminum on titanium), surface roughness, bearing area, material hardness, lubrication and so on.
Accuracy: Tightening is not an accurate science, look at the preloading accuracy published in the "Machinery's Handbook, 25th Edition, page 1404"
Method |
Accuracy |
By Feel |
+/- 35% |
Torque Wrench |
+/- 25% |
Turn-of-nut |
+/- 15% |
Preload washers |
+/- 10% |
Bolt elongation |
+/- 3% |
Bolt elongation Strain Gauges |
+/- 1% |
Recommended Torque Spec's for Titanium Fasteners
Use torque values specified by your equipment manufacture, when available. For titanium fasteners the torque values are listed below. We recommend anti-seize or moly paste be applied to the threads.
The importance of correct application cannot be overemphasized. Undertorque can result in unnecessary wear of nuts and bolts as well as the parts they hold together. When insufficient pressures are applied, uneven loads will be transmitted throughout the assembly which may result in excessive wear or premature failure due to fatigue. Overtorque can be equally damaging because of failure of the bolt or nut from overstressing the thread areas.
Torque Limits for American Size Bolts in Tension
(For bolts in shear reduce the values shown below by 30-40%)
Non-lubricated |
Lubricated | ||||
Bolt Size |
Min. Torque |
Max. Torque |
Bolt Size |
Min. Torque |
Max. Torque |
5/16-18 |
80 in lbs |
90 in lbs |
5/16-18 |
72 in lbs |
81 in lbs |
5/16-24 |
120 in lbs |
145 in lbs |
5/16-24 |
108 in lbs |
130 in lbs |
3/8-16 |
160 in lbs |
185 in lbs |
3/8-16 |
144 in lbs |
148 in lbs |
3/8-24 |
200in lbs |
250 in lbs |
3/8-24 |
180 in lbs |
225 in lbs |
7/16-14 |
235 in lbs |
255 in lbs |
7/16-14 |
211 in lbs |
229 in lbs |
7/16-20 |
520 in lbs |
630 in lbs |
7/16-20 |
468 in lbs |
567 in lbs |
½-13 |
400 in lbs |
480 in lbs |
½-13 |
360 in lbs |
432 in lbs |
½-20 |
770 in lbs |
950 in lbs |
½-20 |
693 in lbs |
855 in lbs |