Which method of high-strength bolt installation requires the use of an impact wrench?

The correct answer is snug tight. This method of high-strength bolt installation utilizes an impact wrench to achieve a level of tightness where the bolt is tightened until all visible slack is removed from the joint. The use of an impact wrench allows for quick and efficient application of torque necessary for snug tight conditions, ensuring that the connection is adequately prepared for further tightening if required.

In snug tight installations, the emphasis is on achieving a connection that is secure enough to prevent movement during subsequent construction activities but does not require the full torque that would be used in a fully tight condition. This method is commonly employed in scenarios where the bolts will later be subjected to additional tensioning or when time and efficiency are crucial.

Understanding the snug tight method is essential as it serves as a foundation for more advanced tightening practices. For example, while fully tight conditions require precise torque specifications and are usually achieved with calibrated tools, snug tight simply focuses on joint stability without achieving maximum tension. Other methods listed, like creep tight and pre-tight, do not traditionally involve the rapid application of torque characteristic of impact wrenches.