IDOT Practice Test – Illinois Department of Transportation Exam Prep & Practice Questions

Using a C-clamp is the least effective method to ensure a bolt remains tight because it is not designed to maintain static tension on bolts. A C-clamp is typically used to hold materials together temporarily or securely in a fixed position during processes such as assembly or welding, but it does not provide the necessary tension or locking mechanism that a bolt requires to stay tight over time.

In contrast, a torque wrench provides a precise amount of torque to the bolt, ensuring it is tightened to the manufacturer's specifications which helps maintain its tightness under load. Nuts and washers serve to distribute the load evenly and provide stability and support, reducing the risk of the bolt loosening. Locking adhesive, such as Loctite, forms a chemical bond that secures the threads of the bolt in place, preventing it from loosening due to vibrations or movement. Each of these methods is explicitly designed to enhance bolt retention, highlighting the inadequacy of using a C-clamp for this purpose.