Abstract: A fastening apparatus 10 for tightening a threaded fastener 14 into a component, the apparatus comprising a drive mechanism 12 for rotating the threaded fastener and a detector for detecting a transitional tightening stage when tightening the threaded fastener to the component, wherein the apparatus operably applies a first set of tightening conditions to the threaded fastener during a first tightening stage, and a second set of tightening conditions during a second tightening stage in response to the detection of the transitional tightening stage by the detector.