Megabolts can be torque-tensioned to 7 or 8 tonnes using the rotation of the drill motor. Increased levels of pretensioning are achieved using air powered hydraulic rams (30 t rig pictured to left).

Pretensioning of up to 25 tonnes is common with 48 and 60 tonne Megabolts. Higher levels of pretensioning (eg 45 tonne on 60 tonne bolts, and 60 tonne on 80 tonne bolts) are possible, using lightweight equipment. Field tests involving high pretensions have produced very encouraging results to date.