Locking tabs
Locking tabs
(OP)
So, we know that the general consensus of the forum here is that split-lock washers don't work.
How do we feel about locking tabs? You know, the relativley soft metal plate that you bend a tab up against the flat of the nut, and another tab down against something else.
How do we feel about locking tabs? You know, the relativley soft metal plate that you bend a tab up against the flat of the nut, and another tab down against something else.





RE: Locking tabs
RE: Locking tabs
If you know the in-service load environment you should design the preload and joint design such that they will survive without locking devices. If you don't know the service environment, I have had better luck using one of the thread adhesives that are available. They will prevent relative motion of the threads and will not encourage embedment.
Good Luck,
Dick
RE: Locking tabs
We also use locking tabs on some SS fasteners on very large Centrifuges. The machines are all SS and are subject to vibrations problems.
Here is a interesting variation of the locking tab that I picked up on in another forum. I didn’t record the posters name.
http://www.stage8.com/howitworks.htm#
RE: Locking tabs
Screwman correctly picked up on my main concern. Any ideas how it might be possible to evaluate how much crushing/flow of the soft material happens during the initial tightening, and how much might continue to occur over time?
RE: Locking tabs
More recently, I bought a van with fancy wheel covers retained by bolts threaded into dead soft cross- straps, the ends of which were retained by two wheel nuts. The first time a wheel nut fell off, I threw away the wheel covers. A wheel nut's conical seat would make things difficult, but for a regular nut, it should be possible to analyze how hard the tab has to be.
I'm still a big fan of Loctite where temperature permits.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Locking tabs
bend up one corner on the bolt flat, bend long part down over an edge, or use a long one for 2 bolts, bend up a corner on each.