What tool is used to ensure proper alignment of connection plates and angles in bolting?

The tool used to ensure proper alignment of connection plates and angles during the bolting process is a drift pin. A drift pin is a long, tapered pin that acts as a guide to align holes in the connection plates, facilitating the accurate placement of bolts. When working with structural components where precise alignment is critical, the drift pin can be inserted into one hole to help line up the corresponding holes on another piece. This ensures that the bolting can occur smoothly and accurately, thereby maintaining the integrity of the joint.

Other tools mentioned, while useful in bolting processes, serve different purposes. For example, a socket wrench is primarily used to tighten or loosen bolts and nuts but does not assist in alignment. A torque wrench is designed to measure the amount of torque being applied to a fastener, ensuring that it’s tightened to the specified requirements, but it does not aid in aligning connection plates. A steel ruler is used for measuring distances and ensuring components fit together but is not effective in the precise alignment of holes for bolting. Thus, the drift pin stands out as the essential tool specifically for alignment purposes in bolting operations.