“It started with a strategic initiative to improve the customer experience when using a Superbolt multi-jackbolt tensioner,” says Sébastien Bruyas, strategic sales manager for Nord-Lock Group. 

The key improvement has been reducing the number of jackbolts required to tighten the bolt, as a small decrease in jackbolts can deliver a large decrease in the tightening time. To achieve this, design engineers had to rethink this critical component. 

“We worked with some of the best steel mills and heat treatment partners in the world to get the right materials and processes to increase the strength of our jackbolts. Now, we can offer the customer an equivalent preload with less jackbolts, so it’s faster and easier to install with less torque,” says Max Bastiaansen, R&D Project Manager for Nord-Lock Group. 

“Take two products side-by-side, and you will see a visible difference between Superbolt NXT and a competitive multi-jackbolt tensioner — it might have two, four, or six fewer jackbolts” adds Bruyas. 

Superbolt NXT also features a black oxidized coating for corrosion protection, laser-markings to guide installation, and an anti-slip knurling grip layer. It’s instantly recognizable in comparison to the grey tensioners available on the market until today. 

“To design something that just looks good, it’s a bit limited, but we’ve added features that bring a great benefit to the user. Superbolt NXT is easy to recognize, but it’s even easier to use,” says Bruyas.