New hose installation, how tight, where to get a torque wrench?

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The HP hose protector was not going to go on, maybe someday I'll pay the shop to do that.

Hose protectors can do more harm than good. If your config results in benting a hose rather severly, it is probably worth using. Otherwise, it is an unnecessary collector of salt and dirt. If you do instal it, remember to pull it away from the coupling for cleaning & inspection.