"I would like to know what "snug" feels like"

That's what she said!

Yeah it happens. Make sure the holes don't have crap in them too. I blow them out with compressed air. I also made the mistake of buying a different type screw from a supplier and the screws were just a bit longer. One bottomed out before it tightened and I stripped it. Torque wrenches can be fickle at the lower and upper ends too. A lot of people don't know it but if they sit in a drawer for while they need to be exercised before using as they will stick.

 

And backed off to zero after use.

 

Yes. But in some cases the mfgr recommends storage with them set at a certain point. Like 10 ft lbs. Always best to read the mfgrs requirements.

 

I store the torque wrenches at zero or its lowest setting.

 

"Always best to read the mfgrs requirements."
I'm going with this.

 

Another advantage of using a torque wrench with a dial indicator.

It automatically returns to zero after each use.

 

Couple days ago did a three hole oil change on my new to me 16 Road King.
Opposite to stripping threads, one of the torx head bolts would not come out.
Twisted three #27 torx bits with a hand impact driver without damaging the bolt.
Finally decided to get out the Dremel and grind the head off. When the head was nearly gone, the washer popped off.
After removing the derby cover, the remaining part of the bolt turned out by hand. Obviously the bolt head and washer were stuck to the cover.
I also noted that two of the bolts were mismatched, indicating previous bolt issues.
All bolts went back in with antiseize on the threads and heads.
Didn't torque them, snugged up by hand.

 

I agree with you. This is what the manufactures states, to store at the lowest setting. My old digital craftsman lowest setting is zero. My CDI Micrometer torque wrenches lowest setting are 10, 20 or 30 depending on in./lbs or ft./lbs.

 

I still have my very first torque wrench which is an old Craftsman beam-type from back in the early 70's that my dad bought for me on a birthday. Over the years I now have several Click type Snap-On & Proto torque wrenches of 1/4 - 1/2 inch drive in both Inch and Foot pound scales. I do not have any digital type.
Being a mechanical and aerospace engineer in the Aerospace industry, torque wrenches were a mandatory tool for all assemblies. When I was working I use to have my torque wrenches calibration checked every six months. So, I am a believer in the use of torque wrenches when wrenching.

 

my torque wrenches are all craftsman and have served me well. I should probably get them calibrated. I think this was a fluke because in many many years of shade tree work, this is the first time it’s happened. The very last stripped threads I experienced was my dads lawn tractor when I was 11. I cross threaded the spark plus. A lesson well learned. Ever since then I have been very careful 😊