ABSTRACT
That all-important clamping force which 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 we have provided him 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 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’s very important for us to understand the assembly process.
