N·m to ft-lb Converter

Conversion reference

Typical torque values

• Car wheel nuts: 110-140 N·m (81-103 ft-lb) for many passenger cars. Always check the exact model.
• Cylinder-head bolts: 70-120 N·m (52-89 ft-lb), often followed by an angle stage on torque-to-yield bolts.
• Spark plugs: 20-30 N·m (15-22 ft-lb) on many aluminium heads, with thread condition making a big difference.
• Bicycle stem or seatpost bolts: 4-6 N·m (35-53 in-lb), a range that needs a small torque wrench.

Tips for accurate torque

• Start with clean threads. Dirt, rust or old threadlocker changes friction, so the clamp load may not match the wrench reading.
• Follow the lubrication note. A dry spec, oiled spec and anti-seize spec can need different torque values.
• Approach from below. Bring a click-type wrench up to the target. Do not overshoot and then back off to the number.
• Use the handle mark. Torque wrenches are calibrated for force at the grip mark, not halfway down the handle.
• Store it unloaded. Wind a click-type wrench back to its minimum setting before putting it away.

Why torque matters

Torque controls clamp load: the force squeezing two parts together. On head bolts, it protects the head-gasket seal; on wheel nuts, it keeps the wheel clamped to the hub; on bicycle stems, it protects light alloy or carbon parts. Under-torque means leaks, movement or loose parts. Over-torque means stretched threads, crushed parts or snapped bolts. A bad unit conversion is enough to move a safe specification into the danger zone.