Tension control bolts use design features that indirectly indicate tension. The most common alternative design bolt is the twist-off bolt or tension control (TC) bolt.

An assembly tool holds this bolt from the nut end while an inner spindle on the tool grips a spline section connected to the end of the bolt. An outer spindle on the tool turns the nut and tightens the fastener. When the designated torque has been reached, the spline snaps off. This type of torque control system allows for quick inspection, if the spline is gone then, in theory, the bolt has been properly tightened.

Although each tension control bolt assembly (bolt, nut and washer) lot is tested by the manufacture to ensure it meets the minimum required clamp load, this system is based on torque control to snap the spline. Because of this torque based system, bolt assemblies must be used in their as-received (clean and lubricated by the manufacture), and strict adherence to the requirements of the appropriate standard, particularly those for storage, cleanliness, and verification is necessary.

The A325 equivalent TC bolts are manufactured to the ASTM F1852 standard (Standard Specification for "Twist Off" Type Tension Control Structural Bolt/Nut/Washer Assemblies, Steel, Heat Treated, 120/105 Ksi Minimum Tensile Strength). The A490 equivalent TC bolts are to the ASTM F2280 standard (Standard Specification for "Twist Off" Type Tension Control Structural Bolt/Nut/Washer Assemblies, Steel, Heat Treated, 150 Ksi Minimum Tensile Strength). Each bolt is preassembled with an ASTM F436 flat washer and the appropriate heavy hex nut and sold as an assembly. The F1852 bolts are available plain finished or mechanically galvanized. The F2280 bolts are only available in plain finish