, covered with Arborite.
I tightened the bolts failrly snug with with a standard 7/16" wrench, held in the middle, so NOT max leverage
I would say less than I normally tighten a 1/4" bolt. My strength is probably about normal for an older male.

Sorry I cannot give you a torque figure.

Our Lavac has been no trouble in years.

The lack of tech support from Lavac is typically British. Stupid attitude. One reason I emigrated from the UK.
I generally avoid British products becasue of this attitude of so many UK companies. However, they still design the best in some things, such as marine heads.