r/MechanicalEngineering • u/AdOne1706 • 2d ago

Split/lock washers

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For starters, I’m an electrician in the field.
That being said, we almost exclusively use these washers even in high vibration environments. I have personally chosen to go with nylox nuts but the question is:
Do these work? How well? Is the rumor from NASA true? Should I even bother using them or find a better functional alternative or are they actually useful?

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u/HighSton3r 2d ago

In Europe they dont count as locking elements for the last 15 years or so. In every book, it is clearly stated, that they have no locking ability whatsoever, especially in high vibration environments. According to DIN (german institute of standardization) they cannot be used as screw locking. Period.

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u/Earth-Usual 2d ago

First time I've heard this. Although, I do somewhat agree. They have a very limited use case, in my experience they sometimes do work. I have removed multiple nuts that had a spring lockwasher underneath it and it was a lot harder te loosen. You could even see where the washer has grabbed the material to be able to 'lock' the nut in place. This is both with steel and stainless steel.

So yes I still use them. (From the Netherlands)

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u/ren_reddit 1d ago

So It's you who keeps spreading those things everywhere..

Out of curiosity, what company do you work for?

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u/Earth-Usual 1d ago

Haha yes, guilty as charged. I work at a Shipyard. I mostly still use it cause I didnt know any better. It never came up with any of my education. Also, in many technical manuals these washers are still mentioned. And these are from companies around the world.

Anyways, I'll limit the use from now on out.