They are tight ain't they, doing that turn is tough even with a big bar.

I'd read though ELSA ref thread lock. It's not going to hurt anyhow, hopefully it won't have to come off again.

Brilliant thanks, hopfully i won't be taking it off in the time i own the car anyway!

You were right when you said to replace the crank bolt though. The guy i borrowed the vw locking kit off had just done the same 1.2 12v engine but his didn't go so well, the crank bolt came loose and has bent the valves apparently....

Yes, there is no keyway on that. The torque of that bolt keeps it all together and if it's loose the whole lot slips.