---
title: Torque is Not Tension!...Wait...What?
description: Torque is Not Tension!...Wait...What?
---

[Applied Bolting Blog](https://blog.appliedbolting.com/applied-bolting-blog)

# [Torque is Not Tension!...Wait...What?](https://blog.appliedbolting.com/applied-bolting-blog/2021/03/25/torque-is-not-tension-wait-what)

 Written by [Rob Westover](https://blog.appliedbolting.com/applied-bolting-blog/author/robw) | Mar 25, 2021 2:14:56 PM

**You need torque to achieve tension, but the two values do not easily correlate.**

In simple terms, torque is the effort or power required to spin the nut down the threads of a bolt. While tension is the stretch of the bolt that produces a clamping force in the steel.

The biggest problem with trying to equate torque to tension is that torque is affected by the friction between the threads of a nut and bolt, as well as between the turning element and flat washer.

Since every bolt assembly is unique to its lot combination and condition, a single torque value will give you unlimited results in achieved tension.

Now I could go on and on writing about friction factors, K Values, T=PKD, bolt conditions, storage, rust and lube to help explain the differences between Torque and Tension. It will just be so much easier for you to go watch this video : )

https://youtu.be/O96AUlIBkU8

Check out our Wrench Selection page to to ensure you are choosing the correct size tool with enough torque to get the job done.

[https://www.appliedbolting.com/wrenches\_new.php](https://www.appliedbolting.com/wrenches_new.php)

[View full post](https://blog.appliedbolting.com/applied-bolting-blog/2021/03/25/torque-is-not-tension-wait-what)

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