Lock nuts can replace spring washers in functionality. In our spring washer vs lock nut review, we find out which of these fasteners will suit your needs better.
Working in the gas industry, I have seen countless accidents involving workers. Small gas leaks erupt into flames resulting into casualties. I have also seen pipe joints break and cause a massive leak which led to losses. The biggest problem was the integrity of the fasteners used to secure the pipes in place. In our repair routines, we used washers and locknuts that were not of good quality. It took us a while before we realized where the problem lied. It was clear that we had to source for high quality washers and locking nuts that can do the job.
Spring Washer and Lock Nut- How do they compare?
| Spring Washer | Lock Nut | |
| Material | Carbon Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Pieces | 320 | 185 |
| Color | Black | Silver |
| Check price | Check price |
Spring Washer Vs Lock Nut- A Detailed Comparison
Material
Spring washers and lock nuts improve or maintain the bond between fastener and surface. The fasteners must feature a tough material that will hold the bond in place no matter what. Spring washers boast of a carbon steel construction which is one of the toughest in the industry. Though they have a thin curved profile, they still are tough in nature and will hold their fort in the slightest vibrations.
Lock nuts are a bit tougher compared to spring washers. They also come with an inbuilt nylon collar which can work as a spring washer as well. Lock nuts feature a thick stainless steel construction that withstands situations with intense heat or vibrations. Lock nuts are ideal for heavy duty industrial works like railway and bridge construction.
Color
Color enhances the aesthetics of lock nuts and spring washers. Black is the main color you will find in most washers. The washer also has a polished surface to make it glossy. Painting lock nuts and spring washers black also helps in heat absorption. That comes in handy if you are working in environments that require great heat retention.
Application
Spring washers are a little like split washers in application. They have a raised curved profile which helps in preventing screw heads from burrowing into joint material. Spring washers distribute pressure and load between nut head and joint surface. This prevents the buildup of high compressed spots which can lead to loosening of joint surface.
Lock nuts come in handy in heavy duty applications. Contractors use them to join together heavy metal surfaces like railways or bridges. Lock nuts also work best in industrial piping projects. They are thick enough to withstand the changes in room temperature. They also contain a nylon washer on the inside that adds to the tenacity of the locking nut.
GlarksSpring Washer
Glarks spring washers feature a carbon steel construction. They are tough in nature and provided the needed abrasion when joining two parts together. This assortment kit comes with over 320 pieces of spring washers. They are available in different sizes which adds variety in their application.
You will find these washers useful if you are working with electrical connections either at home or in your business. These washers help in distributing loads on screws, nuts, or threaded bolts. The load distributes evenly as you tighten the fastener. This protects joint integrity preventing it from loosening.
Glarks spring washers come in a thick plastic casing. The plastic case is corrosion resistant and compact in design. It fits snuggly into your tool box and organizes your assortment of washers. This product includes a convenient chart that names all the washers available.
Pros
- Carbon steel material
- Curved profile for increased tenacity
- Great size variety
Cons
- Not applicable in heat intensive projects
KeadicLock nut review
This lock nut assortment pack from Keadic is all you need for your home or commercial renovation projects. This kit comes with over 185 pieces of locking nuts in different sizes. Inside you find locking nuts in sizes such as M3, M4, M5, and M6. There are bigger locking nuts in sizes of M8, M10, and M12.
Keadic lock nuts feature a thick profile which makes them resistant to deforming. The locking nuts feature quality stainless steel material which is toxic free. All lock nuts in the assortment kit feature a blue nylon collar. This collar helps distribute pressure load when tightening the nut. This ensures the locking nut does not succumb to high vibrations and loosen.
These lock nuts are handy in protecting the integrity of joints in heavy machinery or industrial pipes. The 7 standard pieces of lock nuts meet all your working demands. All locking nuts feature a polished silver color which adds aesthetic appeal.
Pros
- Tough and durable material
- Great size variety
- Inner nylon washer
Cons
- No color variety
Conclusion
Choosing between spring washer vs lock nut depends on what kind of surfaces you are joining. If the surfaces are likely to experience high vibration or intense heat, then locking nuts are more ideal. Most lock nuts have an internal nylon collar which serves as a washer as well. If you want to kill two birds with one stone, then get the locking nuts.
FAQ
Spring washers are reusable as long as they steel provide tenacity in application. As long as the spring washer reduces the unscrewing rotation of the bolt, it is reusable.
Do spring lock washers work?
Spring lock washers have axial flexibility. This enables the washers to prevent joint loosening because of vibrations.
Do you need a washer with a lock nut?
Lock nut work with flat washers most of the times. A spring washers will be compatible if used on the bolt side. The lock nut has an inner nylon which acts as a washer as well.
Which side of a Spring washer goes down?
There is no right or wrong side to a spring washer. Either side is effective in locking a bolt and nut in place.
