The stress distribution in bolts of variously bolted joints have been determined theoretically and experimentally. Theoretical stress distributions involved the determination of shear lag analyses from ratio of tensile rigidity of bolt and nut. By means of a theory of elasticity, loosening predictions were make for four specimens. Three-dimensional photoelastic experiments were conducted on one ordinary nut and three flange-lip nuts subjected to end load without torsional moment. The agreement between the theoretical results and the experimental values was found to be excellent.