Today’s bolting landscape offers more than one way to confirm tension. Some operations adopt connected, sensor-based systems that transmit performance data over time. Others prioritize immediate clarity at the point of work, where condition can be verified instantly during routine inspection.
Both approaches serve a purpose. The right decision depends on how your teams operate, the level of system complexity you are prepared to manage, and how critical simplicity and scalability are within your environment.
SmartBolts® are where visual tension-indicating fasteners began. For more than 30 years, SmartBolts have built tension measurement directly into the fastener itself. The Visual Indication System™ converts bolt stretch into a clear colour change, providing immediate confirmation of achieved tension at installation and during inspection.
Instant visual confirmation.
No software. No connectivity. No supporting infrastructure.
The operational differences become clearer when viewed side by side:
| IoT Bolts | SmartBolts | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Uses sensors and digital systems to track bolt behaviour over time. | Shows bolt tension visually by converting bolt stretch into a colour signal — red means loose, black means tight. |
| Tension verification | Reviewed through connected platforms, dashboards and data analysis. Some models feature integrated LED indicators on the bolt itself. | Confirmed instantly at the bolt through a clear visual indication. |
| Implementation | Requires digital integration, configuration and supporting infrastructure. | Installs using standard bolting practices with no additional systems required.Condition is checked instantly at the bolt. |
| Operational model | Suited to environments prioritizing remote monitoring and historical data tracking. | Suited to environments prioritizing immediate, on-site confirmation during routine inspection |
| Cost structure | Higher initial investment plus software and infrastructure considerations. | Designed for scalable, cost-efficient deployment across critical assets. |
In high-consequence environments, clarity and confidence are essential.
Connected systems and data-driven monitoring solutions play an important role across many operations. At the same time, some environments prioritize immediate, on-site verification as part of everyday workflow.
Within today’s advanced bolting landscape, SmartBolts occupy a clear and trusted space where simplicity, reliability, scalability and cost-efficient operations matter most.
Know at a glance it’s tight.
