Most of us know to put grease on the threads of bolts so they will tighten to the correct torque and stay there. But Hart & Huntington Powersports mechanic Tony Berluti advises us to also put a dab of grease on the flange of bolts and on the “tightening” surface of nuts. “If those surfaces are dry then when the nut or bolt starts to tighten up against the surface it’s securing it can grab and give you a false sense of tightness,” says Berluti. “On some larger nuts and bolts that flange area can be a pretty big surface areas, so be sure to grease up the flange area as well so it tightens evenly and securely.”
