nylock vs. lock washer...which is best? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

weq92f · 10-05-2024, 11:48 AM

.

Kinda surprising results...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDZ8PezMzzY

What if you use both at the same time...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iao2HT71kB8

-Kevin

**Steeveedee** · 10-05-2024, 12:18 PM

Not surprising that the lock washer case came loose. The washer wasn't completely compressed. He should have done this test with the recommended torque of 31 Ft-Lbs for this type fastener.

weq92f · 10-05-2024, 12:48 PM

.

Agreed...more torque would have definitely made a difference. The video is far more interesting at 6lbs though!

Another issue that stands out is...those nylock nuts I've dealt with required more than 6lbs just to turn so trying to torque them down at such a low value seems inaccurate at best.

-Kevin

**truckster** · 10-05-2024, 12:56 PM

I actually posted that as a comment in the video when I first saw it. It's impossible to test a fastener's holding power unless it's properly torqued.

**Steeveedee** · 10-05-2024, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weq92f

.

Agreed...more torque would have definitely made a difference. The video is far more interesting at 6lbs though!

Another issue that stands out is...those nylock nuts I've dealt with required more than 6lbs just to turn so trying to torque them down at such a low value seems inaccurate at best.

-Kevin

Right, he completely ignored the running torque of the nylock nut.

LS short box · 10-05-2024, 04:32 PM

On my hot rod projects I use grade 8 bolts and grade 8 nylocks. One of the reasons I use nylocks is that when you use a washer it doesn't crack the paint or powder coat. Never had one come loose.

jjzepplin · 10-06-2024, 07:28 AM

I am sort of a redneck and grew up on a farm. Each type of bolt has it's rightful place to be used. If a nylock gets hot it's not going to hold the same. I like lock bolts but they bugger the threads after the first use. I use lock washers if I run out of nylock bolts and can't get to the store. I used to take a standard bolt and put it on a vise and bang it with a hammer to make it slightly out of round and boom-lock bolt. I have always wondered how a lock washer on top of a standard washer holds with a standard bolt.

**HO455** · 10-06-2024, 03:47 PM

Caterpillar machinery quit using lock washers many decades ago. They use grade 8 fasteners and under every nut or bolt head, there is a hardened flat washer. Some fasteners are required to have Loctite.

If you ever have an opportunity to buy a junk Cat engine for cheap, do it the as fasteners are some of the best around.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 10-06-2024, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

Not surprising that the lock washer case came loose. The washer wasn't completely compressed. He should have done this test with the recommended torque of 31 Ft-Lbs for this type fastener.

agree.

I wonder if he's tested torque nuts? Bet they beat nylon/split washer to )_&_&+, though been wrong before.

**Steeveedee** · 10-06-2024, 08:46 PM

OK, I had to go look that up. I've seen those used on truly ancient MOPAR products, like my dad's '51 Dodge truck- "ancient" meaning that that truck was one year older than I. Dodge Bros did things a bit differently, like left hand threads on the left side of the vehicle. They may have worked better, I have no idea.

I note that cotter pins are far more common now, and MOPAR has gone to all right hand threads(?).

**kwmech** · 10-07-2024, 11:44 AM

Moot point and a waste of a video and everybodys time if the fastener was not torqued to specs

72c20customcamper · 10-07-2024, 05:51 PM

Red loctite .

**biketopia** · 10-08-2024, 07:47 AM

Wedge Lock washers have been our go to around the shop in recent months.

https://www.nord-lock.com/nord-lock/products/washers/

Willie Makeit · 10-09-2024, 09:13 PM

Split washers, also known as lock washers, are useless as a locking feature. Don't believe me? Ask NASA: they do NOT allow split washers on anything. Period.

ALL fasteners are torqued to a given spec and then it's either a mechanical locking features such as a poly-loc nut, safety wire, or distorted nuts OR chemical thread locking compounds such as Loc-Tite. Oftentimes it's multiple features.

This applies to ALL fasteners.

NASA publication RP-1228, pp. 9-10

**mongocanfly** · 10-09-2024, 09:43 PM

Hard to beat a good crossthread....

Keith Seymore · 10-10-2024, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Makeit

Split washers, also known as lock washers, are useless as a locking feature. Don't believe me? Ask NASA: they do NOT allow split washers on anything. Period.

ALL fasteners are torqued to a given spec and then it's either a mechanical locking features such as a poly-loc nut, safety wire, or distorted nuts OR chemical thread locking compounds such as Loc-Tite. Oftentimes it's multiple features.

This applies to ALL fasteners.

NASA publication RP-1228, pp. 9-10

Thank you -

Those were my thoughts as well.

K

**biketopia** · 10-10-2024, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

Hard to beat a good crossthread....

Old guy at the gas station I started at "cross thread is better than lock-tite"

**Boog** · 10-10-2024, 07:23 AM

^^^ Hands down!

**Steeveedee** · 10-10-2024, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Makeit

Split washers, also known as lock washers, are useless as a locking feature. Don't believe me? Ask NASA: they do NOT allow split washers on anything. Period.

ALL fasteners are torqued to a given spec and then it's either a mechanical locking features such as a poly-loc nut, safety wire, or distorted nuts OR chemical thread locking compounds such as Loc-Tite. Oftentimes it's multiple features.

This applies to ALL fasteners.

NASA publication RP-1228, pp. 9-10

DoD, same way. I've worked on several spacecraft programs (MILSATCOM, Missile Defense, various civilian) and there are no lock washers to be found. If it didn't have a thread-locking compound, it was lock wired.

71meangreenc10 · 10-15-2024, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

DoD, same way. I've worked on several spacecraft programs (MILSATCOM, Missile Defense, various civilian) and there are no lock washers to be found. If it didn't have a thread-locking compound, it was lock wired.

Except for the Ground (Auto) Side.....Had Bins full of lock washers. Even had National Stock Numbers (NSNs) for a washer kit.

Smitty

10-05-2024, 11:48 AM	#1
weq92f Registered User Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 3,157	nylock vs. lock washer...which is best? . Kinda surprising results... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDZ8PezMzzY What if you use both at the same time... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iao2HT71kB8 -Kevin __________________ 67 C10 fleet fuel injected '70 402, 700r4, 3.73 posi 07 335 sport turbo 6sp 94 Trans Am GT LT1 6sp posi -- sold after 22yrs 99 540 sport V8 6sp -- sold 73 240z L24 4sp -- given to friend 68 C10 step 350/350 3.73 open -- sold

10-05-2024, 12:18 PM	#2
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,596	Re: nylock vs. lock washer...which is best? Not surprising that the lock washer case came loose. The washer wasn't completely compressed. He should have done this test with the recommended torque of 31 Ft-Lbs for this type fastener. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

10-05-2024, 12:48 PM	#3
weq92f Registered User Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 3,157	Re: nylock vs. lock washer...which is best? . Agreed...more torque would have definitely made a difference. The video is far more interesting at 6lbs though! Another issue that stands out is...those nylock nuts I've dealt with required more than 6lbs just to turn so trying to torque them down at such a low value seems inaccurate at best. -Kevin __________________ 67 C10 fleet fuel injected '70 402, 700r4, 3.73 posi 07 335 sport turbo 6sp 94 Trans Am GT LT1 6sp posi -- sold after 22yrs 99 540 sport V8 6sp -- sold 73 240z L24 4sp -- given to friend 68 C10 step 350/350 3.73 open -- sold

10-05-2024, 12:56 PM	#4
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,954	Re: nylock vs. lock washer...which is best? I actually posted that as a comment in the video when I first saw it. It's impossible to test a fastener's holding power unless it's properly torqued. __________________ I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson

10-05-2024, 04:32 PM	#6
LS short box Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Carlos MN Posts: 2,095	Re: nylock vs. lock washer...which is best? On my hot rod projects I use grade 8 bolts and grade 8 nylocks. One of the reasons I use nylocks is that when you use a washer it doesn't crack the paint or powder coat. Never had one come loose.

10-06-2024, 07:28 AM	#7
jjzepplin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ruskin Florida Posts: 4,566	Re: nylock vs. lock washer...which is best? I am sort of a redneck and grew up on a farm. Each type of bolt has it's rightful place to be used. If a nylock gets hot it's not going to hold the same. I like lock bolts but they bugger the threads after the first use. I use lock washers if I run out of nylock bolts and can't get to the store. I used to take a standard bolt and put it on a vise and bang it with a hammer to make it slightly out of round and boom-lock bolt. I have always wondered how a lock washer on top of a standard washer holds with a standard bolt. __________________ 70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller 72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350

10-06-2024, 03:47 PM	#8
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,284	Re: nylock vs. lock washer...which is best? Caterpillar machinery quit using lock washers many decades ago. They use grade 8 fasteners and under every nut or bolt head, there is a hardened flat washer. Some fasteners are required to have Loctite. If you ever have an opportunity to buy a junk Cat engine for cheap, do it the as fasteners are some of the best around. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

10-06-2024, 08:46 PM	#10
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,596	Re: nylock vs. lock washer...which is best? OK, I had to go look that up. I've seen those used on truly ancient MOPAR products, like my dad's '51 Dodge truck- "ancient" meaning that that truck was one year older than I. Dodge Bros did things a bit differently, like left hand threads on the left side of the vehicle. They may have worked better, I have no idea. I note that cotter pins are far more common now, and MOPAR has gone to all right hand threads(?). __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

10-07-2024, 11:44 AM	#11
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,598	Re: nylock vs. lock washer...which is best? Moot point and a waste of a video and everybodys time if the fastener was not torqued to specs

10-07-2024, 05:51 PM	#12
72c20customcamper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Catskill Mountains,NY Posts: 8,637	Re: nylock vs. lock washer...which is best? Red loctite . __________________ Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary.

10-08-2024, 07:47 AM	#13
biketopia Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Warrenton VA Posts: 1,091	Re: nylock vs. lock washer...which is best? Wedge Lock washers have been our go to around the shop in recent months. https://www.nord-lock.com/nord-lock/products/washers/ __________________ 71 c-10 Long Bed, under the knife for a No Limit Engineering Wide Ride Chassis Pack and coil over static drop. 07 Silverado Classic 2wd 95 Camaro 427SBC/TH350

10-09-2024, 09:13 PM	#14
Willie Makeit Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 1,230	Re: nylock vs. lock washer...which is best? Split washers, also known as lock washers, are useless as a locking feature. Don't believe me? Ask NASA: they do NOT allow split washers on anything. Period. ALL fasteners are torqued to a given spec and then it's either a mechanical locking features such as a poly-loc nut, safety wire, or distorted nuts OR chemical thread locking compounds such as Loc-Tite. Oftentimes it's multiple features. This applies to ALL fasteners. NASA publication RP-1228, pp. 9-10 Attached Images

10-09-2024, 09:43 PM	#15
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,662	Re: nylock vs. lock washer...which is best? Hard to beat a good crossthread.... __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

10-10-2024, 07:23 AM	#18
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,452	Re: nylock vs. lock washer...which is best? ^^^ Hands down! __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross



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