A method of removing bow in a nuclear fuel assembly is disclosed. The fuel assembly has top and bottom ends fittings and a plurality of longitudinally extending thimble tube members interconnecting top and bottom end fittings. At least two transverse fuel rod support grids are axially spaced along the thimble tube members. A plurality of fuel rods are transversely spaced and supported by the fuel rod support grids. In one embodiment, a weight of known magnitude is secured on the bottom end fitting and the fuel assembly is raised with the weight secured thereon so that the weight exerts a downward force on the fuel assembly for straightening the fuel assembly and eliminating compressive stresses within the fuel assembly. In another embodiment, the bottom end fitting is secured onto the upender used for transporting fuel assemblies into and out of the containment building and the fuel assembly is pulled for straightening the fuel assembly and eliminating compressive stresses within the fuel assembly.