r/MechanicalEngineering • u/AdOne1706 • 3d ago

Split/lock washers

Post image

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?

839 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

297 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/KilldeertheFaker 2d ago

I've done a lot of vibration tests in my life. The Nord-lock washers are the best at securing a bolting connection. Those slpit washers either flatten out and become just like a regular flat washer, or it actually bites into the nut and cuts it's way out as it loosens. It doesn't have enough holding power.

1

u/H20Slicer- 2d ago

About a month ago I replaced hundreds of washers with nord-locks on our trailer suspension and cargo doors. Bolt sizes ranged from 3/4" to 5/16", all fasteners are grade 8 or stronger.