I was wrong about using the same torque on every elevator door hanger bolt

For years, I just cranked them all down to what felt right, maybe 40 foot-pounds. Then, on a job in Phoenix last spring, I saw a senior guy using a torque wrench and checking the manual for each model. He said, 'You're warping the header, Derek. A 90s Montgomery needs 32, a new Kone wants 28.' I checked my old jobs and sure enough, a few had binding issues. Now I carry the spec sheets. How many of you actually torque to the book, or is it still a feel thing for most?

3 comments

3 Comments

spencer_kim852mo ago

Yeah I read a forum post about this exact thing, how over-torquing can actually pull the rail out of alignment over time. It made me dig out my old torque wrench for the first time in a while, lol. That binding issue you mentioned is no joke.

blake4321mo ago

Honestly how often does that actually happen in the real world though. Feels like one of those forum scare stories that gets passed around. Most rails and bolts can take way more abuse than people think without any real problem.

singh.jessica2mo ago

Look, I get why @spencer_kim85 dug out his wrench, but specs are just a starting point. You feel the bolt seat, you know the metal. On site, with different conditions and old threads, a book number can be wrong. My feel for 40 foot-pounds has never caused a callback, while I've seen guys under-torque to the manual and have nuts work loose.