Door handle nuts

[rodo]

Got the handles in the doors, brackets and screws on, and I realized I did not have a clue how tight those ought to be. Matters as I do not wish to take the aged door panels off any more than necessary. Anyone have a good rule of thumb for tightening those nuts?

[wetminkey]

Small hardware tightening torques are based on the size of the connector (unless it's hardened). I do not know the metric size of the nut you are dealing with, but it's max. torque should be easily searchable on the internet, knowing it's millimeter size.
I tighten all small hardware (especially OLD hardware) JUST enough, and not TOO much (ha, ha!).
A bit tighter than just 'snug'. Now that helps, huh?!!
Lockwashers mean you need less torque, if that helps,...
Most Fiat hardware is small and will not take a lot of torque,...and it's old. Good luck and be gentle.

[azruss]

rule of thumb is less is better. These are very easy to strip or break off...particularly when they've been on a few years. I would aim for something in the 5 ft-lb range. In other words.....snug.

[kilrwail]

Here's a handy table for determining maximum torque values for metric fasteners. Note that the strength rating of the bolt is very important.

http://electronicfilters.tpub.com/TM-10 ... 3P_105.htm

[wetminkey]

Nice chart.
I searched the Fiat Service Manual for something similar when this thread began and was surprised to not find one,...