When installing a threaded steel coupling, what operation is performed to secure the connection?

When installing a threaded steel coupling, what operation is performed to secure the connection?

• A. Turning the bar or sleeve with wrenches to a minimum torque value
• B. Hammering the bar ends until flush
• C. Drilling through both bars
• D. Applying epoxy resin

Answer: (A)

Securing a threaded steel coupling relies on clamping the bar ends together by tightening with wrenches until a manufacturer-specified minimum torque is reached. This torque ensures the threads are fully engaged and the clamp force is enough to transfer load—especially shear—across the splice. If the torque is too low, the connection can loosen and slip under tension. If it’s too high, you risk damaging the threads, sleeve, or bars. Hammering the ends or forcing them flush doesn’t reliably create the necessary thread engagement. Drilling through both bars defeats the purpose of the coupling, and epoxy resin is used only in other types of joints, not for securing a threaded mechanical splice.

Securing a threaded steel coupling relies on clamping the bar ends together by tightening with wrenches until a manufacturer-specified minimum torque is reached. This torque ensures the threads are fully engaged and the clamp force is enough to transfer load—especially shear—across the splice. If the torque is too low, the connection can loosen and slip under tension. If it’s too high, you risk damaging the threads, sleeve, or bars. Hammering the ends or forcing them flush doesn’t reliably create the necessary thread engagement. Drilling through both bars defeats the purpose of the coupling, and epoxy resin is used only in other types of joints, not for securing a threaded mechanical splice.