A method for determining an axial tensile force applied to a component, includes fastening the component in place and applying axial tensile force to the component from a free end of the component by a loading device, having a loading body with a central axial main threaded bore and a plurality of secondary threaded bores distributed evenly along the circumference and having loading screws, which are screwed into the secondary threaded bores. The loading body is screwed onto the free end of the component and the loading screws are loaded against a stationary abutment in the direction of the fastening. The axial tensile force applied to the component is determined. Deformation of the loading body transverse to the axial direction of the loading body is sensed and the axial tensile force applied to the component is determined from the deformation of the loading body.