Originally Posted by khuon
I'm not so sure overtorquing the pedals... especially the left-side pedal is a good idea. My technique is to grease the threads and then thread the pedal on by hand to make sure I'm not crossthreading. Then I take the pedal wrench and snug them up. Park Tool recommends 30 lbs-ft. I guestimate. At anyrate, the left-side pedal will work its way tight on its own; no need to give it too much torque during installation.
Why would the left side have any more tendency to tighten than the right side? Since the right side is reverse threaded, shouldn't each pedal see the same forces relative to the thread direction?