A structural unit, e.g., a tie rod, that has a tube which is provided with an internal thread, on at least one surface thereof, which is threaded in a first rotational direction, and into the end of which a threaded sleeve is screwed. The threaded sleeve has an internal thread which is threaded in a second direction, opposite to the first rotational direction, and has a shank screwed into the sleeve. The entire threaded sleeve is accommodated within the tube, and the threaded sleeve has a coupling contour on the opening side of the tube. A method of applying the structural unit such that, by rotating the threaded sleeve within the tube, the shank and the tube are moved in opposite directions. In the method, the coupling contour of the threaded sleeve serves to introduce the torque required for rotational motion of the threaded sleeve by way of a tool or an adapter.