Hydraulic Bolt Tensioning works by applying axial force to a bolt before the nut is finally seated. The process involves several coordinated steps that must follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions and the approved engineering procedure. First, the joint and fasteners are inspected to confirm that they are suitable for the intended application. The tensioner is then installed over the stud and connected to a compatible hydraulic pump. Hydraulic pressure is increased according to the specified tensioning procedure, causing the tensioner to stretch the bolt.