Originally Posted By: tom slick
new plugs with a gasket should be torqued snug plus 1/2-3/4 turn. you will not strip out the head if you use this method as you are only compressing the gasket, not smashing the plug against the head to make a seal.
Not sure if everyone is aware of what it means to be snug-tight.
"The 2004 RCSC Specification defines a
snug-tightened joint as a joint in which the bolts have been installed in accordance with Section 8.1.'Note that no specific level of installed tension is required to achieve this condition, which is commonly attained after a few impacts of an impact wrench or the full effort of an ironworker with an ordinary spud wrench. The plies should be in firm contact, a condition that means the plies are solidly seated against each other, but not necessarily in continuous contact.'
It is a simple analogy to say that a
snug-tight bolt is installed in much the same manner as the lug nut on the wheel of a car; each nut is turned to refusal and the pattern is cycled and repeated so that all fasteners are snug. Essentially, snug-tight bolts utilize the higher shear/bearing strength of high-strength bolts with installation procedures similar to those used for ASTM A307 common bolts, which are never fully tensioned."
Reference