Are lock washers worth it?
The body of evidence, based upon both experience and experimental results, is that they do not prevent loosening and can be shown to actually speed up the rate of loosening in many cases. Junker originally showed in his work published in 1969 that these washers are ineffective in preventing loosening.
What washers have a locking function?
Lock washers are available in two basic types: spring action or split washers and tooth washers.
- Split lock washers are helical-shaped split rings.
- Internal use lock washers have teeth made to bite into the nut/screw head and surface it contacts.
Are there different grades of lock washers?
The term “lock washer” can include a huge variety of different products used in many different applications that often are very specific and can include many different grades, materials and purposes. Due to this, there is currently no ASTM specification that covers a generic split lock washer.
What goes first lock washer or washer?
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.
Are spring and lock washers the same?
Washer types. Spring washers, which have axial flexibility and are used to prevent fastening or loosening due to vibrations. Locking washers, which prevent fastening or loosening by preventing unscrewing rotation of the fastening device; locking washers are usually also spring washers.
How do I choose a washer for a screw?
Select the same size washer diameter as the bolt diameter. An exception would be Fender Washers. By design, these allow you to select from two size options (i.e. 1/4 x 3/4). The first indicates the nominal inner diameter.
Are split washers effective?
Split washers have been experimentally proven to be ineffective locking devices and can even aid self loosening over time.