We know KM lock nuts by names like lock nuts, bearing lock nuts, and withdrawal nuts. People use such nuts and suitable tab washers to locate bearings and other components onto a shaft. They also play a significant role in mounting tapered bore bearings onto shafts.
What is the use of KM lock nuts?
The lock nut’s unique design helps it avoid loosening, especially when it faces movements and vibrations. A normal nut lacks this feature because it only has a basic threaded hole. Hence, frequent exposure to vibrations makes them loose. The design of Lock nuts is such that it’s not affected by vibration-related movements. It makes them ideal components in applications where one or more joined objects face vibrations.
A nut is a fastener with a threaded, circular interior used with a bolt to hold multiple objects together. The nut tends to get twisted at the end when a bolt is inserted through the objects to secure them. Normally, ordinary nuts become loose after prolonged use because of frequent movements and vibrations among connected objects.
What is a KM Lock Nut?
The lock nut is a special nut that avoids loosening during vibrations. A few years ago, when such nuts were not manufactured, the only option available for people was to use two nuts in tandem, especially where vibrations were common. Using two nuts simultaneously effectively controlled loosening because of vibrations. However, this method was not economical for big manufacturing units because they were forced to use two nuts instead of one. It ultimately doubled the cost of nuts for manufacturing companies.
Lock nuts were invented in the 1930s to protect against vibration-related loosening. It also provided a convenient and more affordable solution to companies. Such a component enabled them to secure several objects simultaneously without fearing nuts becoming loose because of vibrations. Moreover, it also required manual twisting to remove them since they could not rotate on their own. KM lock nuts are specially designed to help them withstand frequent vibrations and stay firm and connected to the bolt. Such nuts were ideal for the job.
Which Material is used for making Ball Screw Lock Nuts?
Since locking nuts are important in heavy-duty industrial applications, they must be strong and durable. The most common Material for manufacturing lock nuts is stainless steel, mild steel, zinc, and brass. Although part-nylon or plastic lock nuts are also manufactured for some specific applications, provided the torque is less. Metal lock-bearing lock nuts can easily increase the resistance to rotation in an assembly and are also very efficient in withstanding high temperatures, which plastic lock nuts can’t do.
However, plastic nuts are the ideal choice for applications with limited torque forces. The nylon jam nut or hex nylon lock nut can be good replacements because they can also handle some of the applications that metal nuts can, and at less cost.
How do Lock Nuts Function?
The special design of lock nuts helps them to avoid loosening while facing movements and vibrations. Regular nuts normally have a basic threaded hole; therefore, constant exposure to vibrations can easily cause loosening. Lock nuts feature a design that gives them natural protection against loosening by increasing their resistance to vibrations.
There are many types of Lock nuts, but the most popular versions are metal lock nuts and nylon lock nuts. Metal lock nuts have a crowned top that helps to secure the nut, while nylon lock nuts have a nylon layer covering the interior threading. If you place a nylon lock nut on the bolt, the nylon fiber tends to expand, which helps grip the bolt.
Self-locking nuts
A specific tap cutting creates a self-locking thread on the nut to manufacture Self-locking Nuts. There are two types of self-locking nuts. The most common types are a metal lock nut and a nylon insert lock nut. There are also ball screw lock nuts, including a screw and nut and ball bearings that move between these two parts. Ball bearings are crucial for the ball screws because it increases power efficiency by reducing friction during the movement of the ball and nut.
Can we reuse Lock Nuts?
KM locknuts should be ideally locked with a lock washer to prevent loosening by mistake. You can also reuse them, provided they are not damaged. However, if you have decided to reuse them, lock them with a washer. However, most locknuts are of the regular type, which prevents them from multiple usages. The torque decreases after multiple usages, which reduces the ability of the nut to grip the bolt. Under normal conditions, lock nuts can be used up to fifteen times after an initial fastening.
Are there any special maintenance requirements for KM locknuts?
It would be best if you used vinegar to clean lock nuts. Ideally, you need to take them out and pour enough vinegar into a cup. Let the KM lock nut soak in the vinegar by leaving them for more than a day. The next day take them out, scrub them with a brush, and you can see the rust coming off.