Advance Fastener

Training

LOCKING FASTENERS
Why do bolted loosen?

#1 Reason

Loss of bolt preload

Why Do Bolts Lose Preload?
• Embedment Relaxation
• Gasket Creep
• Bolt Creep
• Differential Thermal Expansion
• Elastic Interaction

• Vibration
 Embedment Relaxation

Flat Mating Surfaces

Stud & Nut

Mating Surfaces
 1000 Hours
As A Function Of Bolt Temperature
ASTM A193 B7 Stud

Percent of Original Preload 100

Bolt Tension

75

50

25

100 200 300 400 500 C

212 392 572 752 932 F

Temperature
Stress Relaxation
 Elastic Interaction
Tighten Bolt
“A” Loosen Bolt
“B”
or
“C”
 Tightening
Sequence
0
1 1
9
5
From 13
“An Introduction To 3
11
The Design And 13 7
Behavior Of Bolted

5
15
Joints” 2
John Bickford 16
6
14
9 4
12
8
10

Stud Position & Tightening Sequence

10” 300lb Flange w / 16 - 1” Bolts
 20

15
Load, #’s
Thousands

10

-5
1 9 5 13 3 11 7 15 2 16 6 14 4 12 8 10
STUD
1st Pass 2nd Pass 3rd Pass

No Belleville Springs
 •20

•15
Load, #’s
Thousands

•10

•5

•0

•-5
1 9 5 13 3 11 7 15 2 16 6 14 4 12 8 10
STUD
1st Pass 2nd Pass 3rd Pass

Two Belleville Springs

20

15

10

-5
1 9 5 13 3 11 7 15 2 16 6 14 4 12 8 10
Rev Pass Post Heat

No Belleville Springs - Heated

20

15

10

-5
1 9 5 13 3 11 7 15 2 16 6 14 4 12 8 10

Rev Pass Post Heat

Two Belleville Springs - Heated

 Tightening
165
140 Sequence
123
1
4 9
Final Torque 277 ft/lbs 119 149 45 165 5
After Third Pass 27 159 13
132 1 3
1000º F 111 11
145 0 7
15
Final Torque 2

13
123 9 177 185

5
16
6
No Belleville 14
186 90
Springs (inner 148 9
136 4
12
circle) 4 75 8
119 206 10
204 152
4
Final Torque
181 154
With Belleville 140
Springs (outer 10” 300lb Flange w / 16 - 1” Bolts
circle)
Pattern of Residual Torque
Percent Of Original Preload
Critical
100
Preload
Bolt Tension

75

50

25

6. 6.
10 x 10 6. 100 x 10 1000 x 10

Number Of Cycles

Vibration Joint Loosening

 Vibration Loosening

When we tighten a fastener, we actually pump “energy” into it: tension,

torsion and bending energy. The fastener is a stiff spring, and we
stretch, twist and bend it. After we let go, the energy is held in the
fastener by friction constraints in the threads and between contact faces
of the bolt head, joint and nut. If something is allowed to overcome
these frictional forces, the stored energy is released.

Maintain Friction

The first and most important way to maintain high friction forces in the joint
and thread members is to provide and maintain a high level of preload in the
fastener, because preload provides the “normal force” which, in turn,
creates the frictional forces between parts. To provide and maintain
maximum preload, we must provide proper control of preload during
assembly, and do whatever is possible to reduce subsequent relaxation of
preload.
 Vibrational Loosening

Insufficient clamp loads (loads unable to maintain

friction between mating assembly surfaces) due
to impact or vibrational loading. Often locking
mechanisms are used to “maintain” friction.
Most all locking mechanisms for fasteners
attempt to keep fastener assembled. The clamp
load is the main key to a successful assembled
joint.
 Prevent Slip Between Surfaces

Provide and maintain a high enough bolt tension to withstand the vibration
present. In many cases, however, it is impossible to provide a large
enough fastener to withstand the vibration. Due to limitations on joint
size, shape, cost, etc, the preloads required would yield or break the
fasteners. Experiments have indicated that the nuts of “long, thin”
fasteners have a less tendency to slip under transverse vibration; instead,
the fasteners bend.
Countering Back-Off Torque
As a last resort, the only thing we can do to fight vibrational loosening it
provide another source of torque to counter the back-off torque. Now,
even if we were to loose all of our friction forces, an additional
mechanism prevents the nut from being pushed out of the way by the bolt
threads. This brings us to one of the main questions when selecting our
method of locking; do you want to prevent loss of preload, or do you want
to prevent the loss of the fastener?
Nuts/Screws with Serrated/Corrugated Bearing Surfaces
Serrated Fasteners:
Upon tightening, the teeth of the serrations penetrate the surface. To
loosen the teeth must actually shear off the material. The serrations
offer a frictional resistance to the movement (vibration) of the joint
members. No slippage will occur in the bearing area. Serrated flange
bolts, nuts and serrated wedge washers exhibit excellent locking
behavior, provided the serrations can bite into the material of the joint
members; in other words, the joint material must be softer than the
fastener material.
Mechanical and Chemical Locking Methods

When normal design measures are not sufficient enough to prevent a joint
from loosening (soft clamped parts, gaskets, low preloads, etc.), a variety of
locking methods are available. They are considered either mechanical or
chemical.
The main reasons for choosing mechanical locking methods are:
• Working temperatures
• Free spinning threads
• Locking with other elements than threads
• Combination with thread forming
• Environmental and health issues
 All-Metal Locknuts

Prevailing Torque: the definition of prevailing torque is an intentional

frictional resistance developed between mating threads (deformed
thread). The common forms of all-metal prevailing torque locknuts
include: top lock, flex lock and reversible lock nut. IFI 100/107 covers the
specification for prevailing torque steel hex and hex flange nuts. This
includes nylon insert lock nuts as well.
 All-Metal Locknuts

Top Lock Nut: applying pressure to the sides of the nut displaces the
upper threaded portion of the top lock nut. This produces an elliptical
thread pattern that provides the prevailing torque feature. Some of the
trade names include: Stover, Conelock, Uni-Torque, Crown Lock, and
Automation Style Lock Nut.

The top lock nut is most commonly offered in Grade C (equivalent to a

grade 8), but the specification does cover Grade A (grade 2 equivalent)
and Grade B (grade 5 equivalent). The Grade C can be used with
Grade 5 or Grade 8 bolts. IFI 100/107 specifies the use of Grade C with
bolts having a specified minimum tensile strength not less than 105,000
PSI nor greater than 150,000 PSI. However, we see these nuts often
used with alloy steel socket head cap screws.
Advantages:
• Cost
• Locking element on top of nut, which allows the nut to
be threaded onto bolt quickly almost all of the way prior
to locking element.
• The temperature limitation of the zinc plating is
approximately 250°F. The material of the nut is limited
to approximately 400°F.
Reusability:
This nut is often categorized as “reusable”. Caution should be exercised
whenever reusing any nut, but particularly the top lock nut.

The IFI 100/107 requires the prevailing torque to be measured during the
first installation (taken after a minimum of three threads and maximum of
five threads protrude through the top of the nut), first and third removals
(taken at zero clamp load). The first installation torque is a maximum
value. This ensures excessive torque is not required for installation. In
order to meet this requirement, a wax coating is applied to the threads of
the nut.

The prevailing torque reduction from the first removal to the third removal
is significant. For example, the ½-13 Grade C requires a minimum first
removal prevailing torque of 22 in-lbs., and a minimum third removal of
only 7.5 in-lbs. The nut may be considered “removable”, but as can be
seen, the prevailing torque performance diminishes drastically. The rate
of actual decline will vary with different mating parts and conditions.
Grade C prevailing torque nuts
require less torque than
standard zinc plated hex nuts. Grade C

Why? threads per

Clamp Tightening Torque
Locknut Size Load (ft-lbs.)
inch
(lbs.) min max
1/4 20 2864 8 12
5/16 18 4719 16 21
3/8 16 6974 28 37
7/16 14 9568 45 59
1/2 13 12771 69 90
9/16 12 16375 100 130
5/8 11 20340 138 180
3/4 10 30101 245 320
7/8 9 41556 394 515
1 8 54517 591 772
1 1/8 7 68695 837 1095
1 1/4 7 87220 1181 1545
Flange Lock Nuts (Prevailing Torque): The flange lock nuts
eliminate the need for a washer with their wider bearing surface, which
allows for faster assembly and fewer parts. This is useful on elongated
holes, slots or when assembling soft materials. The additional bearing
surface helps distribute the clamp load over a wider surface area.

There are two grades for the flange lock nut in the IFI 100/107 standard.
The Grade F is equivalent to a grade 5, and the Grade G is equivalent to
a grade 8.
Nylon Insert Prevailing Torque Nut: The resistance to turning the
nylon insert lock nut is due to the prevailing feature of the nylon locking
element. The elastic properties of the nylon insert causes the nylon to
compress into the threads of the mating bolt and create pressure on the
threads a full 360°to resist loosening while at the same time dampen
vibration.
Nylon Insert Prevailing Torque Nut:
Advantages:

• Where regular or frequent adjustments or maintenance is necessary.

• When mating part plating or surface finish varies.

• In connections where shedding of small metallic particles must be

kept to a minimum (such as electrical or hydraulic applications).

The main disadvantage is the temperature. Nylon 6/6 (or DuPont Zytel
101) has a melting temperature at approximately 250°F. The operating
temperature of the application cannot exceed this temperature.
Nylon Insert Prevailing Torque Nut:

Like the all-metal lock nuts, the nylon insert lock nut removal
prevailing torque values tend to decline with each removal. However,
generally the reduction in prevailing torque from the first to the third
removal is less than what the all-metal lock nuts. Therefore these
nuts are often considered more “reusable”. However, there is still a
reduction in prevailing torque values and therefore a potential
reduction in performance. Like the all-metal versions, the rate of
decline varies with different mating parts and conditions.
Nylon Insert Prevailing Torque Nut:
ASME B18.16.6 is the governing standard for inch series nylon
insert lock nuts.
• Low-Carbon, which would be the equivalent to IFI 100/107
Grade A

• Grade 8, which would be equivalent to IFI 100/107 Grade C

The following designation charts may be useful for nylon insert lock nuts.
The N generally designates nylon insert.

Designation Description

NE Light Hex (standard hex nut)

NFLG Nylon Insert Flange

NK Nylon Cap
NM Hex, Machine Screw
NTE Light Hex, Thin (Jam)
NTM Hex, Thin Machine Screw Nut (Jam)

NU Heavy Hex
NTU Heavy Hex, Thin (Jam)
NE8 High Tensile Nut (Grade 8)
 Chemical Locking Methods
Adhesives attempt to prevent self-loosening:
•By applying adhesive, the degree of freedom
for lateral movements is eliminated as the gaps
between the threads are completely filled, and
at the same time thread friction is increased
after the adhesive has cured.

•Preapplied
•Applied In-Place
 Chemical Locking Methods
Preapplied chemical additive fasteners are
manufactured with the adhesive coating pre-applied via
a microencapsulated process. The adhesives are
usually anaerobic type or a two-part epoxy (or acrylic)
on the threads and dry to the touch. Once the
fasteners are rotated onto the mating surface, the
capsules bursts releasing the adhesive.
Patch, Pellet, Strip,
Advantage:
•Assembly time
•Typically more consistent bond
User applied chemicals are still more widely used.
 Selection Criteria
The effectiveness in respect to loosening, rotational loosening as
well as loss of screw or nut, as stated in the following chart, are
based on typical industrial applications. Conditions may vary.
Item Comments
Screws/Bolts with Clamping Provides rotational loosening
Range = 5 x Diameter resistance through elasticity of the
shank for nearly all grades of
fasteners.
Provides rotational loosening of all
Liquid Anaerobe Adhesive grades of fasteners by eliminating
(chemical thread locker) thread play. Color coordinated for
strength of bond. Temperature
dependant.

Screws/bolts with Nylon Locks against loss of fastener

Patch on Threads because of locking in the thread.
Not for use in high temperatures.

Thread Forming Screws Provides good loosening, rotational

loosening and loss of fastener by
forming its own thread and
eliminating the clearance the screw
and the mating thread.
Flange Bolt & Nut Provides moderate loosening resistance due
to large bearing surface provided by flange.
Serrated Flange Screws & Nuts Provides rotational loosening resistance by
the increased breakaway torque provided.
Only useful where bearing material is softer
than fastener material.

Jam Nut Provide moderate rotational loosening and

loss of fastener resistance. When using a
jam nut with a standard hex nut, the jam nut
should be located between the hex nut and
the joint surface. This will allow the hex nut,
rather than the jam nut, to carry the load.
Pressure is produced on the thread flanks.
However, they can not completely prevent
initial rotational loosening and the
associated loss of preload.

Deformed Thread Prevailing Locks against loss because of locking in the

Torque Locknuts thread.
Nylon Insert Prevailing Torque
Locknut Locks against loss because of
locking in the thread. Temperature
limitations apply.

Castle Nut or Slotted Hex Nut Cotter pin prevents loss, limited
rotational loosening possible.
These types of fasteners can not
prevent a certain amount of
loosening of the fasteners. Usually
the preload drops appreciably,
however, the loosened fastener
does not unwind entirely (you won’t
loose the fastener).

K-Lock Nut (Keps Nut) Provides rotational loosening

resistance with increased
breakaway torque because of free-
spinning lock washer.
Split-Lock Washer Split lock washers are designed to provide a
residual amount of clamping force once a loss
has already began (due to settling, joint
relaxation, etc.). They can be effective for use
on “low-strength” bolting applications. On
joints requiring medium to high-strength
fasteners, the split can spread open creating a
“yielding” condition and will lower the amount
of clamp load produced.

Belleville Washer Provides rotational loosening resistance by

compensating for preload loss due to
relaxation, embedment, temperature
fluctuations (creep), etc. They also provide a
relatively low stiffness (compared to the joint
stiffness) and can be used effectively to act as
a spring take-up with a bolt to prevent
movement between parts.
Nord-Lock Ramp Washers (Disk-Lock) consist of two
disks with interposing ramps. Sharp ridges on
the upper and lower outer surfaces of the disk
grab the nut and joint surfaces. If the nut tries
to back off it must try push the ramps of the
disk to climb the ramps on the lower disk.
 Item Comments

Split-Lock Washer Provides moderate loosening and

rotational loosening of low strength
applications by slightly increasing the
breakaway torque.

Serrated or Toothed Lock Washer Provides rotational loosening

resistance by providing high
breakaway torque. Must be used on
soft bearing surface.

Ramp Lock Washers (Nord-Lock)

Ramp Washers (Disk-Lock) consist of
two disks with interposing ramps.
Sharp ridges on the upper and lower
outer surfaces of the disk grab the nut
and joint surfaces. If the nut tries to
back off it must try push the ramps of
the disk to climb the ramps on the
lower disk.
 Item Comments

Wave Washer Provides loosening resistance for low

strength fastening only.

Provides loosening resistance. Also,

Conical Washer (Belleville) aids by properly indicating preload on
fastener throughout life of the
application.

Provides moderate rotational

Tab Washer loosening prevention. Offers more of
means of visual inspection for eventual
loosening.
 Bolted Joint Design Methods
Loosening of bolted joints is strongly influenced by the way they are
designed. Particularly significant are:

• The magnitude and duration of the static or dynamic load

• The clamping range (grip range) of the bolted joint
• The condition of the surface (roughness)

• The number of interfaces (separation planes)

• Elastic/plastic behavior of the joint members (gaskets,
paint, etc.)

• The choice of material (allowable surface pressure)

• Influence of temperature (different heat expansion coefficients)
• The accuracy of the tightening methods
 Design Methods to Prevent Joint Loosening

• Interfaces of joint members should be smooth and

clean. Avoid coated or painted bearing surface areas.
• Limit the number of interfaces (separation planes).
• Use of flange bolts and flange nuts create larger load bearing areas.
• Controlled tightening torques should be used for installation.
• Use of high strength fasteners taking into consideration the
permissible surface pressure limit of the joint members.

• Employ longer screws to improve the clamping range ratio

(clamping range/diameter).
• Possibly, retighten the screws after sometime to compensate for
any relaxation.

• Use of high strength washers that will increase the load bearing
area and consequently reduce the surface pressure.
Design Methods to Prevent Rotational Loosening of Bolts and Nuts
• Use high strength fasteners. Applying a higher preload can
prevent slip in the interfaces of the joint members as well as in
the bearing areas of the bolt and nut. However, ensure you do
not exceed the surface pressure limit.
• Prevent slippage. The use of shoulder screws, dowel pins or
other special design methods are used to absorb shear forces
and prevent the joint members from slipping.
• Increase clamping range. Bolted joints with a wide clamping
range exhibit more flexible behavior and are able to follow
transverse movements without head sliding.
• Specify smooth interface surfaces. Smooth interface
surfaces minimize relaxation and thus reduce the loss of
preload.