Your result
Locking ability |
1 out of 5 |
Reusability |
Not Applicable |
Worker safety |
4 out of 5 |
Initial cost |
Low |
Lifetime cost |
High |
Are split ring washers effective
against bolt loosening?
Split ring washers use friction to prevent bolted joints from loosening. They feature a ring that has been split and twisted - creating two sharp edges. These washers are installed between the bolt head/nut and mating surface, the bolted joint is then tightened in the same way as an unsecured bolt. When the nut is tightened, the washer flattens down, pushing the sharp edges into the mating surface.
Any locking ability works best on softer materials as it is easier for the edges to dig into them. It is ineffective at locking bolted joints experiencing higher levels of dynamic loads. It is also ineffective when the bolted joint requires lubrication, which promotes sliding and rotation of the bolt.
Read the full version in the eBook "Why do bolts loosen?"
(A comparison between common bolt securing options)
Scroll down to access the ebook.
Which bolt locking product should I use?
- Pros & Cons of different bolt locking methods
- A Guidance for Selection, to help you decide which product to use in your applications
Get the free eBook
ARE CONTACT SURFACES BEING DAMAGED BY THE WASHER?
The biggest challenge for a bolted joint, causing it to lose preload and fail, is spontaneous loosening often caused by vibrations. This Junker test shows all 5 nuts rotated loose! A steep decline in the graph indicates a failure. Read more about the Junker Test.
