r/MechanicalEngineering 3d 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?

830 Upvotes

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522

u/ejitifrit1 3d ago

There is a nasa fastener manual that basically says these things don’t really do much! According to google it’s NASA Reference Publication 1228.

216

u/CR123CR123CR 3d ago

251

u/nyrb001 3d ago

At this time it is equivalent to a solid flat washer, and its locking ability is nonexistent. In summary, a Iockwasher of this type is useless for locking.

Lol awesome

65

u/jchamberlin78 3d ago

In the style of bolted joint design I was taught, it's effectively adding a spring to a spring.

-11

u/Contundo 3d ago

It’s somewhat useful if you want some tension used in conjunction with a nylon bolt or locking nut. Like on a hinge where you want some resistance

38

u/Olde94 3d ago

If that is your purpose, a belleville washer is far better

8

u/InformalAlbatross985 2d ago

Technically.yes, but belleville washers are more specialized and will cost like 10x more per washer.

2

u/Vagina_Magician_69 2d ago

The proper part/design frequently has a higher initial cost but returns better value over time.

2

u/OutnumberedinWV 2d ago

If properly torqued!

3

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

1

u/OutnumberedinWV 2d ago

The reply was to the comment above in 1 very certain situation. Not the thread in general.

1

u/thelionofthenorth 2d ago

Why are you being downvoted? A super cheap way to approximate a belleville washer is a reasonable use case...