Joe, You are correct . . . start from the center & work out. For examples, look at any old Chilton or Haynes auto repair manual for tightening sequences of cylinder heads or the tightening of wheel lug nuts. This should be done in at least three steps - first install h/w loose for proper assembly alignment, second snug h/w to seat assembly, third tighten h/w to spec. This will not have any bearing on the loose nut behind the steering wheel though, especially if the nut is torqued. Loa -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Joe Macko Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 10:02 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [TN] recommended screw tightening sequence for various patterns Hi All. I got involved in a discussion on best practices when it comes to recommended screw pattern tightening sequences (i.e., what is the best order to tighten threaded fasteners) for electronic box assembly and am looking for some examples and supporting data for recommended tightening sequences for threaded fasteners in various patterns from rectangular to square to circular. Most of my training has taught me to start in the middle and work outwards. I would like to hear what other users do. Thanks for the help. Best Regards, -Joe M. "This e-mail and any attachments are solely for the use of the addressee and may contain L-3 proprietary information that may also be defined as U.S. Government export controlled technical data. If you are an unintended recipient of this e-mail, use, disclosure or distribution of its content is prohibited. Please notify the sender by return e-mail and immediately delete this message." --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 15.0 To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 -----------------------------------------------------