Nylon lock nuts are used across a wide variety of industries, including in appliances, computers, furniture, medical equipment, vehicles, sheet metal, and aircraft. Heavier nylon insert lock nuts are used in buildings, on bridges, and in railroad equipment.
Because these types of locknuts are nylon, they are not suitable for use in applications that require elevated temperatures or that come into contact with certain types of chemicals. The locknut does provide a seal against gas and moisture.
The nylon insert locknut comes with an insert that fits the threads of the screw it is placed on and causes a gripping action due to the friction it creates. This, in turn, lessens the chance that the nut will become loose because of vibrations.
Although the name nylon insert locknut creates the impression that they actually lock, they do not. Depending on the amount of vibration in the application that the locknut is used for, the parts may become loose. However, they will not come apart because of the friction that results between the locknut and the threads.
The torque that is needed is just enough to run the nut down the threads and firmly seat it. The thread should protrude over the rolled collar and the end of the screw should protrude above the nut body once it is seated. Nylon insert locknuts can be adjusted or removed a limited number of times after the first use, however, the friction factor decreases after each use.
An expert in the fastener industry should be consulted to determine whether the use of nylon insert locknuts is suitable for your particular application. Please contact ProvenProductivity@bossard.com if you have any questions about nylon insert locknuts and their uses.
Correct Use of Nylon Lock Nuts by Bossard
