ABSTRACT
That all-important clamping force that holds the joint together-and without which there would be no joint-is not created by a good joint designer or by high quality parts. It is created by the mechanic on the assembly line or job site, using the tools, procedures, and working conditions he or she has been provided with. The force is brought into being as energy in the mechanic or power tool is converted to potential energy stored in the joint and bolt members. The correct amount of force cannot be created if the design is faulty or the parts don't fit together properly or if they break; but getting all this right, while necessary, is not enough. The final, essential creator of the force is the mechanic, and the time of creation is during assembly. So it is very important for us to understand the assembly process.
