Table of Contents
How does a lock washer lock?
Lock washers work by preventing the rotational movement of the installed bolt. Nuts are often used for this purpose as well. When placed on the end of a bolt, a nut can protect it from loosening. The problem with nuts is that they are susceptible to vibrations.
How do split lock washers work?
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.
How do Nord lock washers work?

Nord-Lock washers secure bolts with tension instead of friction. The system cannot loosen unintentionally as it creates a wedge-effect underneath the bolt head or nut. The system comprises of a pair of wedge-lock washers with cams on one side and radial teeth on the opposite side.
What is a star washer?
Star washers are a specific type of washer designed to increase locking force by resisting torque applied by the nut, preventing it from unscrewing or separating. Featuring either internal or external tabs, star washers offer greater application suitability.
How do washers work with screws?
washer, machine component that is used in conjunction with a screw fastener such as a bolt and nut and that usually serves either to keep the screw from loosening or to distribute the load from the nut or bolt head over a larger area. For load distribution, thin flat rings of soft steel are usual.

What order do lock washers go on?
When used correctly, a lock washer will hold the nut or other threaded fastener in place. To help it accomplish this, put the lock washer on first, below the fastener. If your project calls for other washers or hardware elements, they should go on before the lock washer so that it can hold them in place.
Which way does a washer go?
Since flat washers are generally manufactured by pressing metal, one side has rounded corners and one side has burrs. There is no fixed rule about which side should be placed up or down but placing the burred side facing down is typically ideal, and especially if bearing surface pressure is a concern.
Can you reuse Nord-Lock washers?
You can normally reuse Nord-Lock wedge-locking washers, but it is necessary to perform a thorough inspection of both washers in the pair for signs of damage first. Damaged or worn washers should not be reused, as this can limit the performance of the wedge-locking effect and expose your bolted joints to loosening.
What is a star washer made of?
Metallic material selections include low-carbon sheet steel, various spring steels, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper and nickel silver. Non-metallic material options include ABS, acetal, polyester, nylon, nylon MD, polycarbonate, fiber, polyethylene and various NEMA grade laminates.
Does the lock washer go on the bolt or nut?
For the same reason, lock washers always go on the nut side to stop the nut moving. Lock washers are almost always used with a flat washer as well. The nut is also often smaller in profile than the bolt head.
Do lock washers go on first?
Where should a lock washer go?
How do you use lock washers? The lock washer should be placed under your threaded fastener – i.e., underneath a nut or the head of a screw or bolt. In assemblies where you have a nut and a bolt, the washer should be placed between the nut and the head of the bolt. You can then tighten the threaded fastener as normal.