Lock Washers

SERIOUSLY ???

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washer_(hardware)

Well,

This one will get plenty of misinformation sprinkled on top of some sound thinking.

Assuming that you mean a split washer, the answer is, no, not in the sense that a compressed split washer will keep a fastener from turning, at all, as in being locked.

What it is supposed to do is keep a fastener that has begun to loosen from completely disengaging from the threads, by "locking" once the split ends have relaxed and engaged the flat surfaces of the nut/bolt and whatever the other surface is that it is against.

Now, if you mean another type of washer, the answer will be different, sort of.

Images for lock washers

Yes, I was talking about a split washer (aka spring lock washer).

Then what I said above is applicable.

The A/C might work for a while without the lock washer, but after vibration has had a chance to do it's job, you will be looking for a new lock washer.

do me a favor and never offer to assist me when I'm servicing an AC

Hmmm.. Maybe its time to go to the store and get some to put them back in

Good idea! or you could just wait until the bolt follows the washer, then look in the dirt for both....a magnet is helpful. What's the economic insight?

Economic insight:

is an outsight-

"Very expensive when the magnet gets too close to any ic-chip on the control board", I would agree.

According to NASA,they are totally worthless for locking a bolt or nut.Once tightened, they are equivalent to a flat washer.

This is based on their stringent testing criteria.

There is a NASA fastener guide available on line when the government shutdown is over.

I understand that NASA says the split washers do not lock.

However, they say nothing about retaining the assembly as a unit.

I know I'm being defensive, but...................................

This is excellent. Thank You!

What material was the lock washer made of?

For steel use one of those magnets mounted on a stick which lift a few pounds, approx. 2-3" in dia, and search the area that it fell in. (available at the orange or blue box stores)

For others, if you want to use it again, a metal detector.

You shouldn't use them again if at all possible. They compress and loose some of their locking power.

To avoid this problem in the future, put a small "dot" of RTV or silicone caulking on one small spot of the washer where the face of the surface that it is being put onto will be (i.e. face-to-face). Don't put a lot on, only a small drop about the size of the point of the lead of a pencil. Do it that way so it can easily be removed when the next time to take it apart comes. This is an old trick for head gaskets and other things.

Lock washer come in many types and holding power. Split, heavy duty split, external tooth, internal tooth, counter-sunk external tooth. heavy-duty internal tooth, heavy-duty internal/external tooth, wedge, spring, belleville spring, and many other types. Perhaps you should consider another type that would be less prone to drop off.

Yes they actually work. That's why it took more force to get it off before it fell out of your hand or before it flew off the fitting before you could catch it.

If at all possible don't do without it. It was put on there by the manufacturer for a reason. You will probably have to take the joint apart in the near future to put one on.

Good Luck, Old Salt

use Ny-loc nuts, or nut Loc-tight..

I am so sorry my friend, I guess if you got to ask what locking washers are for, then you'll not know what nut Loc-tight or Ny-loc nuts are!!

Lesson 101 in nuts, and not the type that chipmunks like!

Nyloc nuts, are designed with a small amount of nylon encapsulated in the top of the nut. This has two functions: 1, so you know which way to put the nut on (i.e. not upside down - seen it being tried) and 2. the nylon grips the bolt and the nut will not come off (inshallah) PLEASE NOTE - if using Ny-loc nuts, DO NOT USE LOCKING WASHERS, NFR!

Loc-tight - same family as super-glue. sticks the nut to the bolt - however it's grip on the bolt/nut can be broken with the CORRECT tool, that is the wrench/spanner, cresent wrench/adjustable spanner or socket set/boxset, so you DON"T round off the corners of said nut when trying to remove it!

ps: As I am bi-lingual I have used British and American terminology describing standard tools that would be used while tightening or removing nuts and bolts.

Nearly forget to answer your question, How do they work?... they stop, if used and applied correctly (an imperative) the nut parting company from the bolt.

do they come with a key to unlock them?

do you ?

I was taught as an apprentice lock washers were not to be used. A correctly tightened nut and bolt will not loosen.

40 years on I'm not going to argue.

I moved from quarrying to a foundry, working with on of the old hands we came near to blows over the use of lock washers.

Certain applications (probably not as above) require all the use of starred to split lock washers which allow for not over-tightening, either way, to a correct fit dun-rite.

http://www.nord-lock.com/ (usual disclaimer). Used extensively in Europe to stop railway track bolts from unscrewing themselves.