Tentec Refurbishes Bolt-Tensioning Tool

Tentec has helped the Artemis Ocean Racing team after its bolt-tensioning tool seized just six days before a big race. The tensioning tool failed while refitting the vessel's keel and the technicians needed help fast. After a quick call to Tentec, an engineer was sent to Ocean Racing's HQ within the hour to assess the situation. As suspected, it was the tool cell within the tensioning equipment that had been damaged and required refurbishing back at Tentec's factory.

The bolt tensioner had been specifically designed and manufactured by Tentec. The application uses titanium bolts to hold the long central stabiliser 'fin' of the yacht and needed a special insert within the tool. This fin is fully adjustable via hydraulic rams for various trim settings of the vessel.

The bolts are held within a glass-fibre structure at the base of the mast, which is the critical stress area of the vessel. However, time was of the essence and the demands of the refit meant the team could not be without the tool. Tentec once again came to the rescue as Peter Koller, Tentec's account manager for Artemis Ocean Racing, realised he had an exact replica of the tool cell, as a demonstration model, back at his office.

Next morning he was back at the refit yard and worked with the technicians to ensure this tool could do the job. Within an hour, three out of the 12 nuts were tensioned and Koller left the tool at the yard for the completion of the refit. Within six days the refit had been completed and sea trials were underway around the Solent ahead of Cowes Week, the Artemis Challenge and the Rolex Fastnet Race. During this time, the original bolt-tensioning tool was completely refurbished back at Tentec.

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