Loose Plate bolts = ? once more

[A440A@aol.com]

Ron writes:
>Next question, is the observable cumulative damage resulting in keeping the
>lags snug worth the "ever so slight" improvement? With possible exceptions
>I'd still say generally not.

       That *observable cumulative damage* needn't be there.  Whether damage
is done mainly depends on when the bolts are checked.  If plate bolts are kept
snug by checking during the summer, (high-humidity) months, they don't exhibit
the continual creep that ultimately results in stripped threads.  
     In my records of the school grands, I found that tightening the bolts in
winter never stopped, I was stressing the threads yearly .  Since I began
putting the wrench on only in summer, I very rarely see anything turn after
the first two seasons.  All the older grands are settled in and exhibit no
additional looseness.  
    If the bolts won't turn in summer, they are (IMHO) tight enough.  
Regards, 
Ed Foote
(And I wonder why all those people said I had a screw  loose  (:)}}}?)