Lock Washer at Open Web Steel Joist Bolted-Connection

• Apr 27, 2017

• #2

TehMightyEngineer

Structural

Aug 1, 2009

3,073

Most lock washers do nothing but make people feel good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKwWu2w1gGk

Nord-Locks and Loktite are the only ways I trust to work the majority of times with minimal QA/QC. Cotter-pins and wiring the bolts are good but rely on installers to install it properly and a lack of QA/QC can hurt them.

Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanConcrete/

 

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• Apr 28, 2017

• #3

thaidavid40

Structural

Jun 18, 2007

496

Additionally, the RCSC has no test data for connections using lock-type washers, so they are not pre-qualified for use in bolted structural connections. I advise you stick with the connection details for which there are published, test-validated load capacities.
Dave

Thaidavid

 

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• Apr 28, 2017

• #4

Ron

Structural

Sep 24, 1999

16,336

No.

 

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• Apr 28, 2017

• #5

bridgebuster

Active member

Jun 27, 1999

3,969

NASA's Fastner Design publication, 1228, states lockwashers are useless. The Navy's Ship Manual (S9086-CJ-STM-010/CH-075R2)Chapter 75 prefers locking nuts; although it states that lockwashers can be used on diesel equipment if there wasn't any previous bolt loosening.

 

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• Apr 28, 2017

• #6

Teguci

Structural

May 14, 2008

1,011

I propose we re-label "lock washers" as "slip washers" so clients and equipment vendors stop asking for them. Double talk should not be tolerated in engineering.

 

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• Apr 28, 2017

• #7

dik

Structural

Apr 13, 2001

26,064

If properly 'snug tight' should not loosen.

Dik

 

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