What characteristic would you expect from a fastener that is unable to be over-torqued?

The characteristic of a fastener that is unable to be over-torqued is consistent clamping force. This means that the fastener is designed to maintain a specific amount of tightening without being excessively torqued, which can lead to damage or failure. Fasteners with consistent clamping force provide a reliable and stable hold, ensuring that joints remain secure under load and are less susceptible to loosening due to vibration or thermal expansion.

Fasteners designed to prevent over-torquing often feature torque indicators or are made from materials that yield at specific torque levels, allowing them to maintain uniform pressure without requiring excessive force. This is critical in applications where the integrity of the joint is paramount for safety and performance.

While flexibility, durability, and ease of installation are all important factors in fastener design, they do not specifically address the concern of over-torquing and its impact on maintaining a stable and reliable joint. Consistent clamping force ensures that the requirements for mechanical fastening in various assemblies are met effectively.