Systems and methods can include stretching a stud of a hammer assembly by tightening, according to a preset amount, a plurality of fasteners, which can extend from a first end surface and/or a second end surface of a first nut threadedly coupled to the stud, against an upper surface of a body of the hammer assembly. The fasteners and the first nut can provide a clamping load for the stud upon completion of the tightening. The systems and methods can also include, after the stretching, tightening a second nut, which can be threadedly connected to the stud, toward a seat formed in the body of the hammer assembly; and further tightening the second nut, against the seat. The systems and methods can further include transferring the clamping load from the fasteners and first nut to the second nut.