Overtightening?

Onan

I'm a serial overtightener of stuff. I never know when to stop.

I've done my best to use judgement on my seatpost, but I'm still concerned I may have done the clamp up too tight.

It's not carbon or anything. Most likely alu. It's on my carrera subway.

Am I worrying about nothing? It's not likely to snap or anything is it?

As a general rule, how tight should I be aiming for with stuff like that? Torque wrenches and manufactures specifications are probably ideal, but unfortunately, I don't have either.

Onan

Since i don't have time to wait for a reply, the first test is likely to be my morning commute, which I'll get underway shortly!

I either will or will not come home with a sheared off aluminium seatpost stuck up my arse.

nicklouse

with seat posts the clamping mechanism is normally the first to fail when over tightening. exotic material excluded.

Onan

Yeah, I figured as much.

Thanks.

biondino

Hi everyone

My name's Mark and I'm an overtightener. I didn't realise until this morning, but when I was trying to solve a teeny bit of headset play, I overtightened the bot on top of the headtube and sheared through whatever bit of metal that bolt threads into. Bugger.

Here's a photo of the underside of the top bolt - it's clear how and where it's broken:



Can someone tell me a) what I've broken, b) how easy it is to fix, c) can I do it myself (bearing in mind I'm a toolless spaz) and d) how much will it cost. Thank you!

Onan

Overtightening is a disease. I know I should stop. I want to stop. But I just can't. I keep telling myself: Just one more turn, then I'll stop. But one turn is never enough.

It's not just bikes either. I sheared the bolt off the ratchet mechanism on the storage bed we bought from Ikea. My girlfriend has to supervise any DIY activities that require tightening now. I can't be trusted.

biondino

Given your username you really want to be a bit careful in this area.

Onan

Oh I broke that off years ago.