I got a set of TA Cyclotourist cranks through Jan and also noticed that the Shimano pedals I use, with BSC threading, required a wrench after the first three hand turns. Made me a little nervous after the earlier discussions here about TA cranks. I did not notice any metal shavings, and I've since reinstalled the pedals. They went in tight the second time as well, but otherwise without incident.
Mike Dayton
Raleigh, NC