A device for tightening a screw connection on a flange connection has a tool carrier movable along the flange connection and provided with a traction drive. A tool on the tool carrier is provided for tightening the screw connection. A control unit is provided to move the tool carrier into a working position by traction drive control signals. The control unit controls, by tool control signals, tightening of the screw connection. On the tool carrier, a holding tool with counter-holding surfaces is arranged. The counter-holding surfaces are provided to bear against the threaded element of the screw connection. The tool carrier has a drive for moving the holding tool between a rest position and a counter-holding position. In the counter-holding position, the counter-holding surfaces bear against the threaded element. The control unit is additionally provided to control the drive of the holding tool by holding tool control signals.