Thank you for your interest in SmartBolts DTI fasteners. Follow these simple steps to test your sample:

Step 1: Use thread lubricant, if available

It is recommended to lubricate the bolt threads and all parts that experience relative motion during tightening with a suitable grease or thread lubricant. Possible lubricants include API 5A2, Torq/2 or Never-Seez. This will assure reasonable accuracy when torque wrenching, reduce the force required to tighten, as well as prevent galling damage to the bolt threads.

Step 2: Set up your bolted joint

Identify a suitable bolted joint on which to test the SmartBolts DTI fastener. The bolted joint must have parallel surfaces for accurate indication. Use a hardened washer under the driven element (head or nut) in any case to prevent galling.

If you don’t have a suitable bolted joint, you can test the SmartBolts DTI fastener by tightening it on a sturdy sleeve such as a fitting length of pipe. Use hardened washers and a 1/2”-13 nut. Use of a vise to hold the sleeve or nut will ease the tightening process.

Step 3: Tighten the SmartBolt

Use a 3/4” socket wrench to drive the nut end, or if your application requires, use a box-end wrench to drive the bolt head. After the indicator has begun to darken, the bolt should be tightened until the last vestige of the bright red color has just disappeared and the indicator color can be described as "black". Use the color chart attached to the SmartBolts DTI fastener sample to match the “TIGHT” color. This is the point where the Design Tension has been reached and where further tightening will cause little discernable color change.

If you continue to tighten the bolt past this point, eventually the Proof Load will be exceeded and permanent damage to the bolt strength or indicator calibration will occur. Loosening the bolt will return the indicator to the Bright Red “LOOSE” color.

Click HERE to download a PDF of the Color Chart For any further questions, please contact us at inquiries@smartbolts.com or call us at 240-631-7246. Thank you for your interest in SmartBolts DTI fasteners