What Are the Advantages of Superbolt® Tensioners
vs. Other Bolting Methods?

Superbolt® products offer many benefits when compared to other common bolting methods. They are fast, safe and easy to use. See below for details:

1) Advantages and Benefits
2) A look at common bolting methods

BONUS>> Cost Justification of Superbolt Tensioners article.

Advantages and Benefits of Superbolt Tensioners:

1. Tremendous clamping force available (ex. Press Columns)

2. Low Torque requirement - only hand tools needed (ex. Bolted Segments)

3. Safe method for installation personnel (ex. Piston End Nut)

4. Reduces installation time over common methods (ex. Boiler Feed Pump)

5. Tightens stud/bolts in pure tension (ex. High Pressure Feedwater Heater)

----A) No thread galling

----B) No need for tight tolerance threads which can seize

----C) Studs will not seize into housing

6. Tensioner flexibility adds elasticity to studs/bolts, which creates a better bolted joint (ex. Dehydration Towers)

7. Fits in restricted areas (ex. Turbine Wheel To Shaft)

8. Provides even tension from stud to stud (ex. Heat Exchanger)

9. Accurate within 10% of specified bolt tension (ex. Kaplan Turbine Coupling)

10. Ease of disassembly (ex. 2,500 Ton Structural Foam Injection Molding Press)

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Various Methods of Bolting:

SLEDGEHAMMER: This crude method is frequently used in attempts to tighten bolts or studs larger than 1" diameter. It gives little control over the amount of torque, is very inconsistent, and is common cause of hand, arm, leg and back injuries.

THERMAL TIGHTENING: This method employs costly stud heaters which require holes in the bolts/studs. Heat is applied, then the nut tightened. Tightening depends on the shrinkage which occurs as the bolt/stud cools. This is extremely time consuming.

HYDRAULIC TENSIONING: Most hydraulic tensioning schemes are not capable of establishing heavy preloads, can be very expensive, and are not suitable in limited workspaces. Most require extra long studs. Bolt tension is lost when the load is transferred to the hex nut.

CRANE WRENCH: For larger nuts, overhead cranes or chain hoists are often used to apply heavy force on large wrenches. This is very inaccurate, awkward, time consuming, and very unsafe. Loosening, when required, can be very difficult.

HYDRAULIC WRENCH: Hydraulic wrenches can provide consistent torque (although 30-40% errors in bolt tension are typical), but are heavy, awkward to place and move and require expensive power units and cumbersome hoses. Use may cause thread galling.

SUPERNUT™ MULTI-JACKBOLT TENSIONERS:

Because this method of bolting requires only simple hand tools, many problems associated with other methods are eliminated. Worker safety is greatly increased, space restrictions and difficult upside-down applications are made easier.

Multi-Jackbolt Tensioners are more accurate, eliminate stud galling, and save you time on installation and removal - which translates into money saved. For specific examples, please visit our "Common Applications" page and find a case study relevant to your application. Or call us today to discuss your specific application.