Abstract: A compression system for joining structural components under tension utilizing a bolt with a shank, an end and a head, one or more flat washers and one or more compression springs. One of the structural components, the bolt end and the nut carry indicia means that form a linear relationship with each other when the system is in an initial tensioned and starting condition and form a selectably angular relationship when the nut is tightened on the bolt a predetermined amount. The system enables the consistent uniform tightening of the system elements to combine structural components and provide consistent spring loading throughout.