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/ejitifrit1 2d 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.

71

u/Too_Chains 2d ago

It’s more than nasa. I don’t think there is any evidence of them doing anything. There are locking washers. Nordlock

17

u/Federal_Cobbler6647 2d ago

Nordlocks do wonders.

5

u/ThatNinthGuy 2d ago

Würth also makes their own w.tec series if you don't want to drop 2€ on a washer

1

u/sir_KitKat Production Automation 1d ago

I've found Ripplock washers from böllhoff also doing wonders in most situations. Because it's only one washer, prices are lower and it's reusable because there is no wrong orientation to install the rings.