A Skidmore tester is commonly used to measure a bolt's what?

A Skidmore tester is designed to measure a bolt's yield pressure, which is the point at which a material begins to deform plastically. This tool is critical in ensuring that bolts are tightened to the correct tension and are capable of withstanding the loads they will encounter in structural applications.

By measuring yield pressure, the Skidmore tester provides essential information on how much load a bolt can handle before it no longer returns to its original shape, which is vital for maintaining the integrity of structures. Knowing the yield pressure allows ironworkers and engineers to use the appropriate torque specifications for a given bolt, ensuring safety and effectiveness in construction projects.

The other options refer to different properties of bolts or materials, but yield pressure is the specific measurement that a Skidmore tester assesses. For instance, tensile strength relates to the maximum stress a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled, while torque value pertains to the rotational force applied during the tightening process.