A torque limiter for limiting the amount of torque applied to off-the-shelf fastening members which are not themselves inherently torque limiting. The torque limiter is separate from the fastening member and is applied thereto to grippingly engage that fastening member. The torque limiter undergoes tension induced breakage upon application of a predetermined torque thereto. The tension induced breakage frees the torque limiter from gripping engagement with the fastening element to thereby prevent further torque application to the fastening member via the torque limiter.