When to use torque seal?

[Stewie]

Hi all-
I just looked in AC43.13 to find out about when/where to use torque seal, but I was not able to find any mention of it, and also perused VAF. I have seen the EAA video and read through posts, so I understand HOW to use it, but curious if there is some SOP of use. For example, I am currently bolting my ribs to spar, with nylon locknuts. Is the use of torque seal on self locking nuts unwarranted? Or do you just stripe every single nut on the plane? Curious for any suggestions.

Thanks,
Eric

[SmilingJack]

Eric,

I torque sealed ALL nuts that require a "Torque" (which is about all of them).

It also is a way for you to be sure you have applied the proper tightness or torque to ALL nuts so you don't miss anything along the way.

So, I guess the answer I would give is to leave no nut dry!

Some people think I painted my airplane! But I didn't it's all torque seal

[ppilotmike]

What about Lock-tite or other bolt thread gluing compounds. Is anyone using this too, or simply relying on the torque and check frequently technique. (not to say you would check any less, just seems that it would help prevent loosening).

[AME at Large]

Hello, here's my 0.02 on the subject.
On those spar nuts and the ones securing the tail surfaces I would use it after finally assembly. It can be checked at the annual inspection.
On the planes I work on (some Beech King Air's) I've seen it on B nuts on fluid lines, in some cases it's been on the fittings in the innards of the plane for twenty years and has not moved.
Wheel bolts, the ones that secure the two wheel halves together is another location that I would recommend.
If the fastener gets lock wired or cotter pinned it's not really necessary, but like the video indicates it can be a good item to check on your pre-flight. Generally it's used on B nuts and self locking fasteners that don't have a visible locking mechanism, ie. lock wire or cotter pins.
The jam nuts on the rod ends of the flight control pushrods would be another good location to use torque seal.
Hope this helps.
Phil

[Guy Prevost]

I use torque seal on every fastener to indicate to myself that it is finalized. If I see something without torque seal on my airplane, I question whether or not it has been properly tightened. In other words, I use it more as an indicator that proper attention has been given to the fastener than to see if a fastener has moved.

We use locking fasteners, so I do not generally use loctite. It is an option of last resort since it depends on cleanliness, and cannot be visually verified like the presence of a locking fastener can.

[Pat Stewart]

I use it exactly the way Guy described.

Pat

[rv6rick]

I can't add much to the excellent replies other than to say I always have spare tubes of torque seal in my toolbox and use as described in the posts. I have tubes of each color but I always seem to use the yellow.

That said....I'll put on my EAA Oshkosh Judges hat on and offer this to those of you who enjoy sharing your planes with the Judges and on lookers: Judges appreciate builders that pay extra attention to detail and SAFETY. Torque seal is used as a safety precaution and fastener 'indicator' and is VERY MUCH appreciated by the Judges. Something to think about if/when you pull the cowl for 'the guys with the hats'. Also, and very important....'if' you use the torque seal, be sure that it is applied properly as shown in the EAA video....otherwise you may as well have left your cowl on .

Link to the EAA torque seal 'hint for homebuilders' is here:

http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=29739769001

[johnny stick]

Last i checked, Lock-tite was not approved for aircraft use. But I am an old fart, maybe it is OK now, but not on my bird. JMHO

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by johnny stick

Last i checked, Lock-tite was not approved for aircraft use. But I am an old fart, maybe it is OK now, but not on my bird. JMHO

I had some as a part of a FAA/PMA kit to hold an oversize sleeve on a slightly worn torque tube.

It is "approved" for certified aircraft when called out by approved documents....

[longranger]

Originally Posted by ppilotmike

What about Lock-tite or other bolt thread gluing compounds. Is anyone using this too, or simply relying on the torque and check frequently technique. (not to say you would check any less, just seems that it would help prevent loosening).

Just to be clear, torque seal is NOT used to lock a fastener, but is used as an indicator, whether it is to mark fasteners that have been torqued, or to make it obvious if it loosens (torqe seal is brittle when cured and will crack if the fastener moves).