Boo!

[thumper]

the nut did its job. If you just wanna toque down use a steel nut but you will probably squish a gasket.

[WhereAreTheStones]

You want the nut to be softer than the bolt

A hardness difference of 50 brinell will prevent galling.

[thumper]

I think the issue is the worn gasket causing us to overtorque.

[thumper]

thats to prevent overtightening right?

[WhereAreTheStones]

It’s to prevent galling and allows the nut to wear down and not the bolt

[thumper]

ok but youd never use brass nuts on a motorcycle.

[WhereAreTheStones]

The Death of Horatio

So the bolts are stainless, and the nuts are bronze. They do this because a SS nut would gall on the SS bolt, or you’d have to use globs of anti-seize. This combo was chosen because it wont rust/gall, otherwise using a normal steel nut on an ss bolt would work, but be prone to rusting.

Silicon bronze is a better alternative to brass.

[thumper]

I only have the things assembled for hours at a time. I can see how it would be necessary in a brewery etc. Im kinda surprised I havent experienced galling on the fittings, I have to torque them down hard.

[WhereAreTheStones]

@thumper

I have to torque them down hard.

Do you have a torque wrench? Torque to the spec of the gasket.

Torque Value By Type

[image] save and share it with the community! #LevelUpTogether Toby Byers

[thumper]

I usually use my hilbilly torque wrench, I can approximate based on experience. I ust recently got a nitrogen tank and found I needed to torque more than I have been. Im basically tightening the shit out of everything now. Approx how many torque cycles do you guys use gaskets for?

[thumper]

what I need instead is a speed wrench, handy for spools etc.

[WhereAreTheStones]

“Whatever floats your boat, or finds your lost remote.”

I wouldn’t just tighten the shit out of everything though…

[thumper]

I dont use the breaker bar but I tighten beyond the triclamp specs im sure, Again how many cycles do gaskets last?

[WhereAreTheStones]

Check for wear and damage before every use and replace as necessary. When torqued to spec they can last a while. How long they last is also dependent on gasket material and application.

[Dred_pirate]

When you start to get cold, they leak and you have to torque em past spec

[WhereAreTheStones]

That’s a good point. Sometimes it’s necessary to go over the spec of the gasket. I’m just against blindly over tightening everything.

[thumper]

its a 12 inch wrench, if i put 20 lbs force its 20 ft lbs.

[Soxhlet]

@thumper

I dont use the breaker bar but I tighten beyond the triclamp specs im sure, Again how many cycles do gaskets last?

all depends on how hard you are squeezing them, bringing a torque wrench to the equation eliminates the variable of how hard the gasket is being compressed. Otherwise your numbers will be all over the place. Check all components for signs of damage/ wear each cycle, your mileage will vary depending on how you install the gasket/clamp

[Soxhlet]

@thumper

its a 12 inch wrench, if i put 20 lbs force its 20 ft lbs.

inch lbs not foot lbs, you need a 1/4" drive torque wrench to get within the correct range,

[Soxhlet]

Torque will need to be adjusted, the values manufactures give are starting numbers.Also triclamps can creep and settle, it is good to double check them after giving them a good wack with a mallet. Usually you will be within 15-20% of the required torque spec from the manufactures numbers.

@Dred_pirate

When you start to get cold, they leak and you have to torque em past spec

Are you past spec you determined to seal the extractor at room temp, or have things loosened up from contraction due to the cold?