Originally Posted by
rwortman
Me experience is that when new they do not ramp up abruptly to the proper torque. They ramp up abruptly to pretty tight and then they need to be turned quite a bit more before they reach proper installation depth and proper torque spec. I agree with aiming for the high end of the spec. Tightening them until the torque ramps up and then a smidge more by "feel" will likely result in a loosened and ruined crank.
Exactly.
Either visually inspect the splines to check for engagement or if you have enough experience to know, how much the crank SHOULD slide onto the spindle that also helps. After doing a couple cranks, you should have enough experience to tell right away, even without being able to see it whether or not the splines are properly engaged by how far the crank slides on and how it behaves when you are tightening the bolt.