All About Self-Locking Nuts

Self-locking nuts are used almost everywhere, they are an important part in machines and various mechanisms. If used correctly, they ensure a reliable connection and a long service life of the parts. Let's take a closer look at all about self-locking nuts.

The fastening element in the form of a self-locking nut is recommended as a connecting piece between elements of various structures. Standard hardware can only be screwed onto products that have threads. To make the connection stronger in this case, it can be strengthened with a grover, cotter pin, washer. The self-locking nut has a nylon retaining ring, so it can be used on its own without any additional fasteners. The advantage of hardware made in accordance with GOST is that it works with high quality and reliably connects the elements to each other. If the consumer prefers a self-locking nut, this means that he can be sure that this hardware is made of high quality steel and at the same time has a zinc anti-corrosion coating.

The construction of this type of hardware has the following components:

• an ordinary nut with six faces;
• side with one-sided increase;
• nylon spacer.

The self-locking nut has found almost universal application. Usually it is used when reliable threaded fixation is required under the condition of constant active vibration. Such hardware is relevant in aviation, there are many of them in aircraft and helicopter nodes. Self-locking fasteners are also found in domestic machines. They are often found in front and rear suspensions, which are subject to strong vibrations. Often this original hardware is used in heavy industry, in the production of furniture and sanitary ware.

Like any other hardware, the self-locking nut is available in several varieties.

• With nylon ring. This device looks like an ordinary nut, in the upper part of which a nylon ring is hidden. Hardware with insert can be made in strong and high strength class. This nut is usually used in conjunction with a bolt or screw.
• With a puck. Nuts of this type are considered a modern type of fastener, which is quite functional. The presence of a washer in the fastener prevents the connection from untwisting.
• With flange Is a nut that has a hexagonal shape. Such hardware is made of solid metal and can have a diameter from M5 to M16. It can be used in conjunction with fasteners that have a similar thread. Due to its high strength, the hardware is able to ensure the reliability of fastening.
• Self-locking cap nut equipped with a nylon ring, it can have thread sizes from M4 to M16. An analogue of this hardware is considered to be a device without a non-metallic ring. These nuts are used to protect threaded fasteners from oil leakage. Self-locking fasteners have found their way into the assembly of vehicles and specialized types of equipment.

It is worth highlighting a few of the most common self-locking nut models.

• DIN 982. The galvanized product is equipped with a nylon ring.When using this hardware, you can get high locking parameters, as well as the reliability and durability of the fasteners. Consumers often give preference to this product, as it is able to fix details with high quality, while it does not need additional equipment.
• DIN 985 A2 and A4 made of stainless steel. This type of fastener does not rust and protects the connection from the negative effects of environmental factors. During the manufacture of A4 nuts, manufacturers add molybdenum, so the product is reliably protected from chlorine and alkali.
• Nut DIN 6927 8.0 and 8.8. This nut model is equipped with a flange, so it can be used in various industries. This hardware does not have a non-metallic retaining element. It has found its use in harsh conditions. In this case, the use of a washer or a grover is not required.

The size of the nut is the distance between the parallel edges of the hardware. On sale you can find products that have sizes up to M150. Self-locking fasteners are as follows: M8, M6, M10, M12, M4, M5, M3, M16, M20, M33, M30. This device can have both fine and coarse threads. The height of this type of nut can be from 1.3 to 38 millimeters.

Self-Locking Nuts are advanced mechanisms that hold units together, which are subjected to high vibration loads and shock manipulation. If ordinary fasteners can crack after several blows, then self-locking does not. The finished hardware should be characterized by the reliability of locking, the ease of tightening the thread. In this case, the master should know that the thread of such a nut can be unscrewed and tightened more than once. The principle of operation of self-locking hardware is frictional locking, due to which a high level of friction in the threaded turns is ensured. Ideally, such a nut should be tightened on the correct side and then heat treated.

To prevent the fasteners from unwinding, it is worth following the following recommendations:

• use lock nuts;
• to carry out installation with a spring washer;
• fix the thread with a special type of glue;
• use nuts with nylon or polyamide ring.

Difficulties in using self-locking nuts include the following:

• the need for special surface treatments;
• creating additional stress in the case;
• danger of crushing the conical bearing surface;
• impossibility of full tightening in some cases.

Self-locking fasteners do not unwind, so their reliability is especially important in the manufacture of aircraft and missiles. They replaced standard nuts with less efficiency and difficulty in tightening. These mechanisms are not afraid of vibrations and vibrations, therefore, if there is a choice, experts advise buying self-locking fasteners.

For self-locking nuts, see the video below.