Is there a correct way to install a lock washer?
Place the lock washer under the threaded fastener and ensure that it has a snug fit. If using a lock washer with teeth, make sure they will engage with the appropriate surfaces. If they don’t, swap out the washer for the appropriate one. Turn the fastener with a ratchet or wrench until it tightens to a firm connection.
What goes first lock washer or flat washer?
Ideally the lock washer goes into the threaded fastener first followed by the flat washer. This way the lock washer adds tension to the fastener assembly. It creates pressure on the bolt or nut (depending on where it is used) to prevent the assembly from loosening when it is exposed to vibration.
Which way do lock washers face?
When used correctly, a lock washer will hold the nut or other threaded fastener in place. To help it accomplish this, put the lock washer on first, below the fastener. If your project calls for other washers or hardware elements, they should go on before the lock washer so that it can hold them in place.
Where do you install the lock washer?
Lock washers are always placed directly adjacent to the nut of the application. So if using a lock spring washer or an internal lock washer, place it over the shank of the bolt just prior to the nut attachment.
When should you use a lock washer?
Lock washers work by preventing the rotational movement of the installed bolt. Nuts are often used for this purpose as well. When placed on the end of a bolt, a nut can protect it from loosening. The problem with nuts is that they are susceptible to vibrations.
Do I need a flat washer with a lock washer?
The washer helps prevent damage to the surface of the object being fastened. For the same reason, lock washers always go on the nut side to stop the nut moving. Lock washers are almost always used with a flat washer as well. The nut is also often smaller in profile than the bolt head.
Is Loctite better than a lock washer?
Loctite is superior to most lockwashers. Locking methods superior to Loctite would be a special type of nordlock washer or safety wire. Otherwise you are looking at special fasteners. Loctite has the added advantage of preventing corrosion in the thread area.
Do you need a washer with a Nylock nut?
Plain flat washers and lock nuts have no bearing on one another. Unless the metal you are tightening the bolt on seams to be collapsing when tightened you will be fine without washers. a split spring washer is good for that because it creates a constant tension that doesn’t allow the nut to loosen.
Do lock washers really work?
Helical spring lock washers have been in use for well over 100 years. They are still used on many applications in the belief that they will will “lock” the nut/bolt to the joint and prevent loosening. Junker originally showed in his work published in 1969 that these washers are ineffective in preventing loosening.
What happens if you don’t use a lock washer?
Lock washers are worse than useless. The split type lockwashers can actually break and fall out from under the head of the bolt. This leaves your bolt suddenly loose and drops a piece of hardened steel into your machine.
How do you use a washer and lock washer?
Can you use a lock washer with a lock nut?
Locking Washers