Abstract: Based on a brief survey of the test methods for load in composite multi-bolt joints, an instrumented bolt for load vector plan without prearranged installation angle demand and with the capability of load direction measurement is presented to overcome the shortcoming of the existed instrumented bolt that it must be installed according to provided load direction. The material selection, stickup scheme of strain gauges and slot dimensions of the instrumented bolt for load vector were designed, from which the instrumented bolt for load vector was further manufactured. The linearity and repeatability of test results of instrumented bolt for load vector, the effect of the installation angle on the test results and the load direction measurements were experimentally investigated with a single-lap, single-bolt composite joint. The test outcomes show the presented instrumented bolt for load vector satisfies the technical requirements for measuring load distribution of bolts in engineering, which further verifies the suitability of the proposed instrumented bolt for load vector.