Subject: Re: What is the proper torque rating for Lagonda spokes?
I ain't never heard of torqueing spokes...
Torque measurements are used to maintain a desired tension in a screw fitting - so that (a) it won't come undone, retaining the clamping load, and (b) residual tension reduces stress reversals which otherwise cause metal fatigue. It's really a pretty poor substitute for direct tension measurement, mainly because there can be so much friction in the threads and mating faces that are unknown varibles greatly affecting the end result. Hence highly safety-critical applications use eg. strain-gauged bolts.
In the case of wheel spokes, the friction of the nut on the rim cup will certainly be a random variable. Wheel builders invariably work partly by feel, and checking finally by sound. Hence when set up and running true, the spokes should all give much the same 'ring' tone when tapped - none pinging too taut, definitely none going 'clunk'.
John
John Stubbs