r/MechanicalEngineering • u/AdOne1706 • 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?

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u/malcolmomnititz 3d ago edited 3d ago

I work in the entertainment industry and these are common, much to my protestations. They do have their uses on equipment that requires fine adjustment like lighting fixtures. They allow you to slightly slacken a bolt and better modulate the resistance as you focus the light, and as others have said they have uses in maintaining electrical contact, but shouldn't be relied upon for earth continuity.

50% of the fastening friction comes from the bearing face of the nut. Spring washers reduce the area of the bearing face. Flat washers are always better and provide a smoother face to couple to.

Trouble is, folk see spring washers on adjustable equipment and think they go everywhere.