Is it possible for an install to be "too tight"?

maramarrie · Feb 6, 2013

I always aim for a rock solid install with our seats - even beyond a firm handshake. I have been known put my body weight into the seat and press down to tighten the LATCH strap (I have since learned how to get it just as tight with just pressure from my hand in the seat). When I shake the seat with force, it shakes the car....not a millimeter of movement. Is that bad? Is it too tight? Would it cause the seat to fail if there isn't a slight amount of movement in a collision?

Brianna · Feb 6, 2013

There's no need for it to be that tight, but as long as you're only using your human strength it's probably not too tight. You only need less than one inch of movement, it's not necessary to get it as tight as you possibly can.

Wreckgoddess · Feb 7, 2013

See, I was wondering about this. Like yesterday.
In order to get an acceptable (less than 1 inch of movement) installation on my friends FF Roundabout with seatbelt using lockoffs, I had to use all of my strength to compress the restraint into the seat and lock the lockoffs. It does.not.move now.
But is it TOO tight?

I am a woman of reasonable strength.
So its not like I had 2 men come sit in the seat...