Abstract: The inventive loose flange (1) consists of two half flanges (2, 2) overlapping each other in two overlap areas. A connector screw hole (4, 5), traversing both half flanges (2, 3), is located in one of the two overlap areas. Another connector screw hole (6, 7) is disposed in each of the two half flanges (2, 3), said screw hole being set at a 90° angle to the first. The overlap areas of both half flanges (2, 3) have stepped, interlocking profiles (21, 22, 31, 32) which serve to absorb shearing force. By using connector screws to connect two loose flanges, for instance, in both half flange (2, 3) overlap areas, all connector screws, i.e. even those arranged in screw holes (6, 7) located outside the overlap areas, can be tightened to a substantially greater degree.