Abstract: A method for tightening screw connections in series assembly. The method includes continuously monitoring a torque and a rotational angle of the screw. Initially, the screw is tightened by turning it in a rotational direction through a first rotational angle by exerting a desired torque. The screw is then released by turning the screw in a reverse rotational direction through a particular rotational angle. The screw is then re-tightened by turning it in the rotational direction through a second rotational angle by exerting the desired torque. A first absolute difference in rotational angles between the first rotational angle and the second rotational angle is determined and the value for the first absolute difference in rotational angles is then utilized to provide a monitoring of the tightening characteristics in the screw.