[541 SC]

I use the finishline tool to install and remove knock-offs. I have PS Engineering wheels. I asked Phil Schmidt what torque to install the knock-offs with. He said 300 ft-lbs. Most of us don't have a torque wrench that goes that high. I used my 250 ft-lb torque wrench and then borrowed a 600 ft-lb wrench to tighten in to 300 ft-lbs. I then noted the angle of the partial turn to get from 250 to 300 ft-lbs and that is what I use to tighten them. Though this is not exact, it is more repeatable than using a hammer. I use a breaker bar to loosen them and I always use never seize. By the way my spinners are stainless, not aluminum. This proceedure works fine for me. I know there are different theories on proper installation of knock-off, but tightening the spinners to a specific torque with a torque wrench seems like the right way to do it to me. True, the pins carry the torque loads, but the cornering loads are carried by the hub flange and spinner. Those loads can be substantial and the spinners need to be tight to provide the clamp load to prevent loosening over time. I do carry a lead hammer for emergency tire changing. It is my understanding that the original cars used steel knock-offs. I just wanted to share my proceedure to anyone who cares to try it or take something from it.