Torque Mania - Kingpin Bolt Controversy Readers have been concerned about the high torque settings discussed

this month. Derby Expert Paul Gale continues his discussion about torque mania. The function of all tension bolts, such as the Grade 8 used as a kingpin bolt, is to stretch. They are meant to be stretched. The bolt is elastic up to a point.Applying an appropriate torque to the kingpin nut stretches the bolt a very small amount. When the torque is removed the bolt returns to its original length. When a SBD car rolls down the hill, the kingpin is subjected to dynamic load which causes the bolt to stretch-and-return to its original shape numerous times. This is called cyclic loading. If the torque and dynamic load are within the acceptable range, the bolt will not deform (stretch) permanently, or break. The optimum torque for a bolt depends upon how the bolt is being used the application. Torque recommendations by bolt manufactures and retailers are often based upon the assumption that it will be used in a specific application which is not SBD. For your further information, I recommend the Zero Products Inc. web site: zerofast.com. This company is a supplier of industrial fasteners and has good technical information. Once at the web site, select Technical Data and then Proper Torque Use. There is a table with recommended torque values. The recommended torque for a 1/4-28 zinc-plated SAE Grade 8 bolt is 16 ft-lbs, or 192 in-lbs. This is not the maximum torque the bolt will withstand. It is the recommend torque for most application. INFASCO states the torque should be 120 in-lbs and Zero Products states it should be 192 in-lbs. Both are correct depending upon how the bolt is being used (application). Based upon my experience in SBD, tighter is faster if the driver can control the car and cross-bind is eliminated. See Stress-Strain Diagram for Grade 8 Bolt for additional information concerning how medium carbon steel behaves under load. Strain-hardening intentionally overloads the bolt in tension so that it stretches permanently. This action causes the bolt to become harder and stronger. Paul Gale