Lockwashers vs Nyloc

[68Broncoz]

I am sure this has been debated before Lockwasher vs Nyloc.

Just wondering what is the preferred.

Installing Items like installing Power steering box, roll bar, seats, etc

My understanding it anywhere there may be heat involved lock washers are better

Thanks in advance

 

[markw]

Look to the aviation industry for that answer. On the prop we use Nord-Lock washers and everywhere else use flex top lock nuts. We had a whole bunch of nylock nuts come loose on the Bronco during the NORRA MK1. So everything is now safety wired or using the above where possible. Good review on fastenermart.com.

 

[NicksTrix]

prevailing torque nuts on anything critical

 

[66BlueGoose]

Nylocks are not appropriate for any area that heat cycles, the heat softens or melts the nylon allowing the nut to loosen. In those areas, you must use another type of locking mechanism, weather it be lock washer, safety wire, all metal lock nut or other type of locking fastener. Otherwise nylocks are fine. Extreme vibration and what can happen in a failure creates an addition consideration, thus aviation and automotive racing create additional needs.

 

[ame]

If you do lock washers I would only use grade 8, I have seen many lower grade lock washers break and cause loose bolts.

 

[rmk57]

Stover lock nuts might be something else to look into.

 

[needsmoarturbo]

In my experience, nylocs work better than lock washers, but for something even better go with an all metal flex top lock nut. The problem with spiral washers is once they vibrate loose you're hosed they just fall apart really quickly. They work ok for less citation intense applications than an off road vehicle, but on a rattly old bronco, not so much.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Different uses. Something like a park brake adjustment a nyloc works great. It stays in place as load is applied and released. But you don't want nylocs anywhere near heat (brakes, exhaust)

So some place (of the 2 choices given) one will be better than the other.

Add in other locking options and you will have to weigh the benefits to the applications to tell if they are a good choice or not.

 

[Digger556]

Lockwasher vs Nyloc.

Just wondering what is the preferred.

Neither. Use all metal prevailing torque nuts with 3 locking features on the top.

Do not use the "elliptical" style metal prevailing torque nuts. We refer to those as "squash nuts" because the threaded hole was smashed into an oval shape.



ALSO, use a torque wrench for critical applications. There are torque charts available on Fastenal's website that will help guide you on proper torques. "Gudentight" is not acceptable.

 

[blubuckaroo]

Both are good. It depends on the application.
I use nylocks where you want to allow the fastener to be loose enough to allow movement but not come off. Things like linkages.
Some places are bettter off with no locking device at all. There's no lock on main caps or head bolts, unless it's a race car. You don't see them falling off.
I work in hydro plants. Here you don't normally see locks unless it's inside the rotating equipment where loose parts can cause damage. We use pantleg washers and safety wire.

 

[pbwcr]

One thing we found out about nylock nuts is you cannot reuse them because if the lower breakaway and residual torque required to loosen them. Yes Stovers are best. Lock washers - very old school. The work fine in the appropriate application.
Bottom line:
Use nylock for accessories and use Stover or cotter pin nuts for important structural uses.
Never use Nylock where heat is possible.

 

[Rustytruck]

Wedge lock washers do not damage the bolt like an interupted thread nut will.