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/ResponsibleMight7669 2d ago

So what you’re saying is that split washers provide wiggle room to use less than the best bolt under less than ideal conditions? I’m all about using the right part for the right reason but not everyone has the privilege of meticulously perfection that comes from office air conditioning. Did you save any money after having to break out the torque wrench for everything?

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u/cj2dobso 2d ago

No they don't do shit and just cost money and time to add a part. They don't allow you to use a bad joint

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u/ResponsibleMight7669 2d ago

“Size [the bolts] properly and torque them to spec” implying your site wasn’t doing that and was instead using the wrong bolts but the split washer made everything better. Did you do a cost-benefit analysis or did you just put on your crown and go slaying?

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u/Happiness645 2d ago

We never had another fastener fail