How to adjust a Water Pressure Regulator Properly?

Right now I have a PSI gauge hooked up and it was reading 80-82...(which is noted in this thread https://terrylove.com/forums/showth...ht-thing-Plus-additional-help-needed&p=268796 )

Anyway, I was wanting to lower it to 60-65 or so. Do I just unscrew the screw on the regulator allowing the nut to turn with it counter clockwise or do I use a wrench and keep the nut that is on it in place while unscrewing? How many turns would you guess to drop it from 80>65 ? What happens if I unscrew it too much? Can the screw come out? I don't want to mess it up.

Thanks!

Loosen off the outer nut then turn counter clockwise about three turns then open a tap for a few seconds and close it, check your pressure. If more is needed turn as needed then check pressure until its where you want it. Tighten the nut and your done.

The screw will not come out all that will happen is you will be at the lowest setting of the PRV.

If the screw comes out, no problem. If water comes out when you remove, we are back to first recommendation...replace the regulator.

You need to allow the tegulator to "settle" after making a change. Meaning crank the screw a couple of turns, then run a couple of faucets for several seconds, turn off and check the pressure again.

The fact that you are seeing >80 says either your gauge is off, or the regulator is bad. It should not let you see 82 downstream.