Rolando,

 

    When talking about the “allowable” safe force  to lock clutch knobs , you should always STRESS the fact that you are talking about the NEW mounts AP-(1100, 1600, 32000) , and definitely not the old model AP-(900 & 1200).

 

    Tightening the latter’s clutches with an Allen Key will definitely squish – you often say “mushroom” - the Delrin plugs into the clutch knob threaded hole wall, and make it impossible to ever extract them for replacement – even using the special AP extraction screwdriver, which just chips them like sugar cubes.

 

    I speak from very bitter experience. Took an enormous  effort,  special tools, unique procedures, and lots of AP tech advice tips,  to finally get them out and replaced. Now I tighten “pinky-finger tight”, and leave solving other problems to perfect counterweighting.

 

Joe

Finger tight will be enough for most setups. If you have a permanent setup or a very heavy scope, you can always lock the clutch knobs fully by using an Allan key.

 

Rolando