Breakaway Torque

Breakaway torque is the amount of torque required to “break loose” a fastener and start it turning after it has been tightened and allowed to sit in service. It’s the peak torque needed to overcome static friction and any locking mechanism at the start of removal. Breakaway torque is often higher than the torque needed to keep the fastener turning once it’s moving (running torque).

Breakaway torque is important in assemblies that use locking features such as threadlocker, prevailing-torque locknuts, nylon inserts, or thread patch coatings. In these cases, breakaway torque helps indicate how well the fastener resists loosening from vibration, but it also affects serviceability and tool selection during maintenance. Factors like lubrication, coatings, corrosion, temperature, and cure time (for threadlocker) can all change breakaway torque, so specifications may define acceptable ranges for consistent performance.