ABSTRACT
The load cell has a hole through the center so that with the use of fixtures on either side, a bolt and nut can be inserted. Tightening the nut and bolt will compress the load cell, causing the gage to indicate pressure within the cell and therefore axial tension on the bolt. A set of fixtures, or adapters, consists of a plate that attaches to the face of the unit and a bushing that fits into the back. Normally, bolts are inserted from the rear so that the hexagon head fits into the slot of the bushing. The bushing is pinned to the calibrator so the bolt cannot rotate as it is tightened. The bolt protrudes through the front plate, and the nut is threaded onto the bolt, so tightening the bolt compresses the load cell. Adapter sets are available for a variety of sizes and head configurations. A variety of testers are available to test structural bolts from 1/2 to 11/z in. in diameter. The calibrators are portable and can be clamped easily to structural members (see Fig. 1).
