Asymmetrical Friction Connections (AFC) are used in structures in earthquake zones to dissipate energy without causing major damage to the structural members. This means that the structure itself does not require replacement after a major seismic event. Testing of these connections has been undertaken and degradation in strength has been observed. However, (i) reasons for this degradation have not been clear, (ii) a means of assessing the strength degradation has not been available, (iii) the importance of the strength degradation (which is related to the amount of strength degradation) has not been described, (iv) the ability to reinstate the joint using new bolts is not known, and (v) effective friction factors for the connection after connection reinstatement are not known. This paper describes the testing of AFC specimens with high hardness shims (i.e. Bisalloy 500) under increasing cyclic displacements to address the issues stated above. Tests were conducted twice with the same setup. In the second test, the change in performance as a result of the first test was able to be observed. Then the bolts were replaced and tests were conducted twice more.