Method of pre-assembling pipe couplings and joining pipe elements

A method of assembling a pipe coupling formed of a first and a second segment joined to one another in end to end relation by first and second fasteners located at opposite ends of the segments, said method comprising:

• engaging said first and second fasteners with said ends of said first segment;
• engaging first retention elements respectively with said first and second fasteners and said first segment, said first retention elements contacting both said fasteners and said first segment so as to inhibit relative motion between said first segment and said first and second fasteners;
• engaging second retention elements respectively with said first and second fasteners, said second retention elements being positioned in spaced apart relation from and in facing relationship with said first retention elements;
• engaging said second segment with said first and second fasteners and said second retention elements such that said first and second retention elements are positioned between said first and second segments, said second retention elements inhibiting relative motion between said second segment and said fasteners, thereby holding said first and second segments in spaced apart relation from one another;
• and
• securing said second segment to said first and second fasteners.