Question about using a torque wrench on aluminum lugs

I was helping a friend rewire his garage in Phoenix and saw him just crank down on the aluminum lugs with a regular wrench. I told him the spec sheet for the panel said 35 inch-pounds, but he said it didn't matter. How do you guys make sure you're hitting the right torque without slowing down too much?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_jana21d ago

That spec sheet is right, aluminum lugs are easy to strip. I just keep a cheap inch-pound torque wrench in my bag for exactly that.

paigep8521d agoMost Upvoted

Just crank them down tight.

the_claire21d ago

Ever just go by feel? I used to do that all the time until I rounded off a lug. Now I'm with Jana, a cheap torque wrench is the way to go.