OT - Torque the Nut or the Bolt?

This question came up while working on a project this weekend and I'm
looking for some input.

Let's say I've got a nut and bolt holding something together and I
want it torqued at XXX inch-pounds. I can hold the nut with a standard
wrench and use the torque wrench on the bolt, or I can hold the bolt
with a standard wrench and use the torque wrench on the nut.

One of the guys I was working with said "When given the chance, you
always torque the nut." When I asked why the answer was "Because
that's what I've always been told." You know how *those* conversations
go!

So what's the deal? Does it matter? And if so, why? Could it be
different in different cases? And if so, why?

Thanks!
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: OT - Torque the Nut or the Bolt?
    ... wrench and use the torque wrench on the bolt, or I can hold the bolt ... with a standard wrench and use the torque wrench on the nut. ...
    (alt.home.repair)
  • Re: OT - Torque the Nut or the Bolt?
    ... wrench and use the torque wrench on the bolt, or I can hold the bolt ... with a standard wrench and use the torque wrench on the nut. ... They don't vary on which half of the fastener is experiencing sliding ...
    (alt.home.repair)
  • Re: Orion XT6, not able to assemble the base
    ... think plastic ring on the inside, so I cannot tighten the bolt. ... The nut with a thin plastic ring inside is a nylon lock nut. ... The top baseplate has a hole in the center. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: OT - Torque the Nut or the Bolt?
    ... wrench and use the torque wrench on the bolt, or I can hold the bolt ... with a standard wrench and use the torque wrench on the nut. ...
    (alt.home.repair)
  • Re: MGB Front Wheel Hub
    ... Remove cotter pin from large nut at top of king pin above the top wishbone. ... If the bush and sleeve are corroded it is probable that the bolt is rotating ... Next move, to remove the stub axle, which was going OK until I got to ... Wnen the puller is tightend up ...
    (uk.rec.cars.mg)