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.

Abstract: A fastener installing machine (10) comprising an oven (12) for heating fasteners, a carousel (14) for moving fasteners through the oven, a drive shaft (18) for rotating the carousel and means (32,38) for attaching the oven to the machine which means is disposed about the rotational axis of the drive shaft. A fastener installing machine (10) comprising an oven (12) for heating fasteners, a carousel (14) for carrying fasteners through the oven, an inlet to the oven for fasteners from a feeding mechanism, and an outlet from the oven to enable the heated fasteners to be attached to a substrate, wherein the inlet and outlet subtend an angle less than or approximately equal to 90.degree. with respect to the rotational axis of the carousel.