[email hidden] (Nick Keenan) wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...
It is best to use a torque wrench when working on your bike. Of course, on the road one is seldom
available. When tightening a bolt without a torque wrench, the rule of thumb is to turn the bolts in
very small increments, say one quater turn. So you would give the bolts a one quarter turn, and then
check the tightness of the stem. If the stem was still loose, then go another quarter turn. STOP
when the stem is no longer slipping. Depending on the situation, some riders may add an "extra" one
quarter turn past the point where the part stops slipping. Unfortunately, "tightening by feel" is
something of an art, and is acquired only through hands-on experience. Aluminum parts are especially
susceptible to damage from over torquing.