The fasteners people actually look up — drain plugs, spark plugs, head bolts, brakes and valvetrain — plus a quick answer for any bolt size.
20–30 ft·lbs on most vehicles · by make and thread size
By thread diameter, seat type and head material
Staged sequences, torque-to-yield bolts and patterns
60–106 in·lbs · centre-out sequence
130–230 ft·lbs · staked and stretch-type nuts
Guide pins 25 ft·lbs · brackets 70–130 ft·lbs
45–85 ft·lbs · star sequence, single-use bolts
15–25 ft·lbs · shaft, pedestal and adjustable designs
Looking for wheels? Lug nut torque by vehicle covers 102 models across 19 makes with bolt pattern, thread size and socket for each.
Every property class for one size, side by side.
Grades 2, 5 and 8 for one size, side by side.
Fall back on the size-and-grade value for the fastener. Identify the diameter and the grade marking, then use the metric or imperial chart on this site — those figures come from ISO 898-1 and SAE J429 with clamp load at 75% of proof load. Treat them as a starting point, not as an override for a manufacturer figure.
A bolt-size chart assumes a steel bolt clamping steel. Real assemblies often clamp aluminium, plastic or a gasket, where the joint yields long before the bolt does. That is why a valve cover bolt takes 7 ft·lbs even though an M6 class 8.8 bolt could take twice that.
Unless a manual says otherwise, assume dry, clean threads. Oil or anti-seize cuts friction so the same wrench setting produces roughly 20–30% more clamp load — enough to strip aluminium threads or yield a fastener.