Abstract: A clamping force monitoring device is provided having a step washer, a contact plate, a compression washer separating the step washer and the contact plate, a threaded fastener extending through the step washer and the compression washer, a nut and an electric circuit, wherein when a sufficient axial force is exerted in the threaded fastener by engagement of the nut, the compression washer is compressed and the step washer is in contact with the contact plate, thereby closing the electric circuit. A method for monitoring a threaded fastener is provided including extending a threaded fastener through a step washer and a compression washer and engaging the threaded fastener with a nut, wherein when a sufficient axial force is applied to the threaded fastener by the nut, the compression washer is compressed and the step washer contacts a contact plate, thereby closing an electric circuit.