I consider most fasteners critical so I usually, use one. If I'm working on something without a manual then I go by industry standard torque specs for that size and grade of fastener and that type of materials involved. Use a torque wrench I still have some idea about how tight a fastener needs to be and what that feels like (because of experience with torque wrenches).
I've seen several guys who never used a torque wrench be surprised when they start using a torque wrench. Usually they find out they were over torquing the small stuff and under torquing the big ones.

 

Yes, always if torque is quoted in the manual. I have a foot-pound and inch-pound wrench. Be careful which one they are quoting in the manual. Years ago the mounting bolt for the front motor mount on my 97 Wide Glide stripped when I was changing out the mount. I had tightened it to the torque per the manual. Went back to dealership, they grieved it to the factory using the torque I stated I used. It took two months, but I was reimbursed for the part, which was about $140 at the time. Lesson learned.

 

On anything that has torque specifications.

 

Im happy to see the majority is Yes! I always do and have a chart for standard torque values and other to show variances for Dry Threads, Oiled Threads, Extensions etc, In case i dont have a Manual.

A comment was made in one of my other threads that made me wonder.

I recomend everybody buy them. Sears sells both Inch and Foot ones for pretty cheap and work fine. Don't forget to set them back to Zero when not in use.

.

 

Just like when I got Married
I Said
I DO !!!!!!!!!!!

 

Actually every fastener has a standard torque value.

 

I voted "every fastner", but that's not strictly true. Small screws, the bolt that holds the seat on, etc. I just snug them down.

 

All the time.

 

I do, but sometimes I wonder if the factory does, haha

 

strip out one of the the bolt holes in the aluminum engine or transmission cases
and I bet you would use a torqe wrench nest time