Nord-Lock Washers | Do they work better?

Testing Nord-Lock washers to understand how they work. Nordlock washers FEEL like they really bite. When you're loosening a bolt with nordlocks they are hard to turn and release with a snap. Surprisingly, it doesn't take more torque to loosen them, it just takes more rotation. The reason (as I found out) is because you need to stretch the bolt to overcome the locking wedges. Thank you for your help! / ave

[@gavindempsey99]

Reading through the comment section, it must be the most informed one on KZbin

[@mckenziekeith7434]

In order to back off the nordlocks, you have to apply the same force (torque) for a longer distance (rotation angle). Force * Distance. That is work, or energy. Also, if you don't back it far enough to skip to the next valley, then it will be energetically favorable for it to go back to its original position. So vibration may move it around, but if the force isn't great enough, it will not make cumulative progress. But with a flat washer, every time the bolt loosens even a tiny bit, it will be harder for it to go back. It WANTS to loosen. It is like a ball rolling downhill. The best analogy is this: Nordlock is like putting chocks on your wheels when you park your truck on a hill. The truck can't roll down the hill unless it rolls up over the chocks first.

[@member5488]

I have a Paslode nail gun that is 35 years old that has at least a million nails through it. For most of it's life the bolts holding the nose on to the main body would loosen at least once a month and need to be re torqued. I put Nordlocks on it 5 years ago and haven't touched it since.

[@MrDigitalCypher]

Ave is the only Channel in the history of KZbin that I watch reruns of.

[@Detailed_Design1]

I'm a junior studying mechanical engineering and at the same time you tested the bolts and what not, we were studying the exact same topic

[@antidamageable]

The issue with this test is that washers aren't designed to resist torque. You said it yourself - they're designed to resist slip through vibration.

[@fartzinacan]

Sweet, new AvE! Easier on the wrists than the other videos I was watching.

[@kumaclimber]

The summary in the Fastener Design Manual from NASA in reference to spring lockwashers. "A lockwasher of this type is useless for locking"

[@orig6redwings124]

I've used Nord-Lock Washers for a few years, on the turbo setup in my car. No matter what I used or did, there was always one bolt that'd loosen up after about a week or less of driving (burning out the gasket). I ran into these Nord-Locks and figured it was worth a shot. They definitely worked for me and fixed my issue!

[@richardautry8269]

I love Nord-Locks. Worked 20 years as FSE on CNC punches. One thing to remember is that they should be replaced every time you loosen them. I did reuse them most of the time with little issue though.

[@AutodidactEngineer]

I appreciate you taking the time to carve that "C" in front of that (Ockford Wrench) and the "O"

[@Wroom90]

Thanks, Ave for your videos. I find this video interesting as I've worked as an industrial mechanic in different areas like building offshore equipment and maintenance in factories. With offshore equipment the standard is usually nord-lock on hydraulic flanges etc. Sewing smaller bolts together also works! Last but not least red loctite often comes in handy, but should also be used with high-torque fasteners

[@Pacifistrapist]

That second result with the nord-lock was so god damn satisfying. Made everything so clear.

[@TheDuckofDoom.]

I recall reading somewhere sciency that nut loosening is caused primarily by axial vibration. If I remember correct(many years) when the vibe amplitude exceeds preload, then the friction momentarily drops to zero and then on reapplication of axial stress the ramp force causes a bit of loosening rotation just before friction once again kicks in.

[@MarionMakarewicz]

Love a man who can get so passionate about his lock washers! It's in the details, in the details!

[@neatoelectro3687]

Even without the testing working, you managed to teach. That's impressive! Love your stuff Ave. Keep it up!

[@keelankennedy9270]

I was told by a mechanic at work that lock washers aren't there to make it harder to get the bolt loose, they are there for longevity. For instance, we have overhead water lines and pressure lines running overhead. There is impulse testing equipment in the plant so the lines shake and vibrate the roof structure. Lock washers are used on the brackets that hold the lines not so that its harder to break them loose but because they keep the bolt at tension for a longer period of time under stresses.

[@dominosgarage]

I use to work on "shaker" motors. Used for coal powered power plants. Double shaft motors with 25# to 50# counter weights on each end. These are designed to shake. All of them used "shake proof washers." Internal/external tooth lock washers. I would love to see you do this test with them. I never saw a motor come in with loose bolts. Always with bad bearings. Lots of machine work. We also used red locktite on the bolts for reassembly. But would like to see the test anyway.

[@Joshsou7]

I've worked with Nordlocks extensively and most of your conclusions are spot on. The Nordlocks are particularly good in high vibration because as you try to back them out and they stretch your bolt you increase your joint stiffness.

[@EdIvory]

Rodesian reach around. That’s a name I haven’t heard in a long time. Long time.