Technician A says the preferred method of torqueing a nut and bolt is to holt the bolt stationary and tighten the nut, Technician B says the nut should stationary and torque applied to the bolt. Who is correct?

Technician A is **correct**. When torqueing a nut and bolt assembly, the preferred method is to hold the **bolt stationary** and apply torque to the **nut**. This approach ensures that the intended tension is achieved in the bolt, providing a secure and reliable connection. Here's why: 1. **Controlled Tension**: By holding the bolt fixed, you ensure that the torque applied to the nut directly translates into the proper tension within the bolt. This helps in achieving the desired clamping force. 2. **Consistency**: Applying torque to the nut while the bolt is held steady allows for more consistent and repeatable torque measurements, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the assembly. 3. **Preventing Over-Tightening**: Holding the bolt stationary helps prevent unintended rotation of the bolt, reducing the risk of over-tightening and potential damage to the threads or components. **Technician B's** approach of holding the nut stationary and torquing the bolt is less common and can lead to less precise tensioning, as the bolt might not achieve the desired clamping force as effectively. **Best Practice Summary:** - **Hold the bolt stationary** using an appropriate tool (like a wrench or socket). - **Use a torque wrench** to tighten the nut to the specified torque value. This method ensures that the assembly is both secure and reliable, adhering to proper mechanical standards. **References:** - [ASE Torque Specifications](https://www.ase.com) - [Manufacturer's Torque Guidelines](https://www.engineersedge.com) Technician A is correct; the bolt should be held stationary while the nut is torqued.