If a bolt is used to push a load (loaded in compression) rather than clamp an assembly (loaded in tension) is it safe to say that the force exerted would be similar to the clamp load normally expected for a similar applied torque? In case the question is not clear, imagine a screw jack.
Jon Juhlin
Dear Jon Juhlin:
The force is similar, the strength of the "column" is not. Think Euler buckling.
David A. Smith
Strength is the same for tension and compression. For stability, i.e. buckling, can come into play for intermediate to long columns.
But with most bolted joints, the bolt never sees compression. The other joint members carry that.
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