Different Types of Lock Nuts
May 15, 2022
Different Types of Lock Nuts
Lock nuts are a special part that’s designed to hold parts and assemblies together. These parts are built to be used for long periods of time.
Spex machines different types of precision lock nuts for various industries and uses. Today we’ll share some info about how lock nuts are manufactured and used.
What are Lock Nuts?
A lock nut is a type of nut that’s designed to not loosen over time. There are different methods to keep the nut secure, including adhesive, pins, and features that increase friction. Some lock nuts are designed for single use, making them less effective or unusable after they’re removed.
In general, nuts are used for assemblies that need to be disassembled. That’s helpful when different parts need to be cleaned or to perform regular maintenance. Lock nuts are more difficult to assemble and disassemble, but they provide greater security and less risk of parts coming loose.
Lock nuts are commonly used for assemblies where there are moving parts or vibration, which causes other nuts to loosen over time.
How do lock nuts work?
There are a few different ways that a lock nut stays secure. The three common ways are adhesive, friction, and pins.
Adhesive
The most common type of lock nut has some type of adhesive. This could be a type of glue, or a nylon ring that creates a tight seal on the bolt.
Friction
Some lock nuts have specific features that increase the friction. Some have grooves on the bottom of the nut, which increases friction with the surface that the lock nut is touching. Other lock nuts have specific threading that increases the friction between the nut and bolt. Both of these designs make it more difficult for the nut to come loose.
Pins
Lock nuts that use pins have a hole or groove cut into them. Once the nut is tightened onto the bolt, a pin is inserted through a hole in the nut and bolt to prevent it from spinning off. A cotter pin can also be added on top of a lock nut with grooves cut in the top.
5 Different Types of Lock Nuts
1. Nylon insert lock nuts
These lock nuts have a nylon ring or patch on the inside threading of the nut. When they’re threaded onto the bolt, the nylon creates a seal. These nuts are subject to high temperatures which could melt the nylon, and they require more torque to assemble.
2. Hex jam nuts
Jam nuts are actually two nuts that are used on top of each other. The second nut is jammed on top of the first one, preventing it from spinning off the bolt.
3. Center lock nut
A center lock nut has a hold drilled into the center of it. Once the nut is tightened, a punch is used to distort the threading on the bolt, which prevents the nut from loosening.
4. Serrated Flange lock nut
The serrated lock nut has grooves on the back side of the nut. These nuts are usually used against sheet metal. The grooves on the back of the nut rub against the surface and prevent it from backing out.
5. Castellated nut
A castellated nut has grooves on the top, which look similar to the top of a castle. These lock nuts are used with a bolt that has a hole drilled in it. Then, a pin is inserted through the top of the nut and bolt to secure it in place.
What are lock nuts made of?
Because most lock nuts are used for heavy-duty and industrial applications where strength is a priority, most are made with stainless steel or mild steel. Stainless steel is the most common material because it’s strong and resistant to corrosion. Zinc and brass locking nuts are also fairly common.
In cases that require less strength, nylon or plastic lock nuts are popular because they’re less expensive to manufacture and lightweight.
Spex is an ISO 9001:2015 certified precision machine shop in Rochester, NY. We machine thousands of unique metal and polycarbonate parts every month for different industries around the world. Reach out to our team to see if we can help with your next project.
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Types of Rivets: Learn About Different Rivets and Their Common Uses
May 30, 2022
Types of Rivets: Learn About Different Rivets and Their Common Uses
Rivets are a common type of fastener used to hold two or more parts together. Rivets are designed to be a more permanent faster, and out of all the different fasteners, rivets are most similar to nails.
Rivets are used in many different mechanical operations, and have been for a long time. The concept is very simple, and in fact, the first rivets were used around 3,000 BC. Rivets were used to hold ancient tools together, like the head and handle of a hammer, and to attach a carrying handle to a jar.
The rivets used today are more precise and durable, but they have the same general design and purpose. Rivets can be used for lightweight purposes, and heavy duty machines like tanks or aircraft.
How does a rivet work?
A rivet is similar to a nail, but they’re not exactly the same. Rivets usually don’t have threading, and they have a flat or rounded head. Unlike nails, rivets usually don’t have a sharp pointed end. Rivets also have a larger body, similar to a bolt.
When rivets are being used, a hole is drilled into the materials that the rivet is holding together. The hole drilled is slightly larger than the rivet. Then, the rivet is inserted, and the back end of the rivet is smashed or deformed so it’s larger than the hole drilled. This creates a tight connection between the two materials. And the rivet would need to break before the materials separate.
Smaller rivets are installed with a handheld tool called a riveter or rivet gun. Larger industrial rivets, like the ones used for bridge construction work the same way. But, those need to be heated up before the end is smashed so it can be deformed.
What are the different types of rivets?
Rivets are a basic type of fastener, but there are some different types designed for specific uses.
Solid rivets
Solid rivets are just what they sound like. They have a solid round body and either a flat or rounded head.
The rivet is inserted into the hole and the end is smashed with a hammer, or other squeezing tool. Depending on the size of the rivet, a lot of force can be required to deform the end so it stays in place.
Solid rivets are the most secure and can bear the most weight and are the most reliable. They’re used for load bearing applications like building frames and bridges, Solid rivets are also used in aircraft, cranes, and other vehicles.
Tubular rivets
Again, tubular or hollow rivets are exactly what they sound like. They look the same as solid rivets, but the body is a partially or fully hollow tube. With these rivets, the tail end isn’t solid, which makes it much easier to deform. These rivets require about 25% of the force to secure compared to solid rivets.
Countersunk rivets
Countersunk rivets or flat rivets are designed to not stick out once they’re installed. There’s a small hole for the rivet, and a slightly larger hole made for the head of the rivet. These are used to improve dynamics on vehicles, and on sliding tracks where something needs to slide over the rivet without hitting it.
Split rivets
Split rivets have a split end. Usually there are two small legs on the end of the rivet that are spread apart to secure the rivet. These are commonly used with softer materials like drywall, leather, wood, or plastic.
Blind rivets
Blind rivets are unique because they can be installed without accessing the other side of the rivet. These rivets are technically two different parts. The rivet has a pin that pulls out when it’s installed. The pin is pulled out and squishes the end of the rivet to secure it. Blind rivets are used in aircrafts, watercraft, and electronics.
How are rivets manufactured?
There are two primary ways that rivets are manufactured.
Thinner rivers are made by cold forming. A round wire is fed into a machine and cut to the desired length. Then the piece of wire is punched into a dyes, or cutouts, to form the shape of the rivet. It takes a few different dyes to fully form the rivet body and head. But, this process all happens very quickly. Hundreds of rivets are made every minute, and they’re fairly accurate.
Rivets can also be made using Swiss screw machines. This process is used for solid rivets, when stronger materials are needed, and when more precision is needed. Since rivets have a simple design, Swiss screw machines are still efficient and keep manufacturing costs low.
What materials are rivets made with?
Rivets are made with a wide variety of metals. The harder metals offer greater strength, but they also require more force to install the rivet. Softer metals like copper or brass can’t handle as much stress, but they’re easier to install.
Rivets are commonly made with
Spex is a precision machine shop located in Rochester, New York. We manufacture a wide range of precision parts and fasteners including rivets. If you need rivets, or other precision parts, fill out the form to connect with our team.
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