Originally Posted by Coyote2
Hi all. I've been riding for years, but here's a "noobie" style question: just bought new Look Keo pedals which install with an 8mm hex -- instructions recommend 40nm of torque. I have never installed my own pedals and do not own a torque wrench, an am worried about stripping out the crank threads. So here's the question: should I just go ahead and put these on myself without a torque wrench, and if so, how far should I torque them -- in other words, how critical is it, and how easily will I strip out the crank threads (Ultegra 9-sp cranks)? Thanks in advance for your advice.
Worry about having them too loose, not too tight.
Stripping the threads happens when they're too loose, so they move around in the threads.
If you're using a typical length 8 mm Allen wrench, make them as tight as you can get them.
Normally pedals are installed with a wrench over a foot long.
Sheldon "ELDI" Brown