How the Nord-Lock Washers Work (Animated Video)

In this animated video, we explain the principle behind the Nord-Lock washers. Our original wedge-locking technology secures bolted joints, even when exposed to severe vibration and dynamic loads.

It is impossible for Nord-Lock to loosen unintentionally due to the wedge created underneath the bolt head and nut.

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Nord-Lock Group is a global leader in engineering and bolting technologies. We have decades of experience in solving industry-specific challenges successfully around the world and you can rely on us to solve yours.

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[drumlover]

I used them for years and years in my job as an industrial maintenance machinist for a large 2 piece d&i can manufacturing plant. And i can say with absolute certainty that they never failed in any application i ever used them in no matter how severe the conditions. Outstanding product!

[rubberbandman]

i use them on turbos and other automotive uses so far so good
not cheap per washer but work well
here in australia

[vornamepebble]

Dear Nordlock:
Your product works well and I used it many times over the years. But I feel you are missing some important context of the actual working principle.

How do the Nord Lock washers work? How do wedgle lock washers work?

A short explanation attempt for the interested:
1. prepare the assemby: base, 2 washers, nut, thread rod (or screw)
the cams of the 2 washers are locked in tightening direction
2. tightening:
the nut will scratch over the serrations until the tightening motion drives the serrations into nut and base material
[note: some washers are a bit bulged -> this means they deform while tightening. This enabeles a design specific tension for the joint.]
3. loosening:
[work principle #1] usually it requires much less force to move the cams over each other than to rip out the serrations carved into nut and base
[work principle #2] while turning the nut in loosening direction you have to overcome a big force (see below) to get the upper washer one cam segment further
[force: by compressing the washers you need to put some energy in material deformation (also called tension) and you also have to overcome the friction between the cam surfaces]
[work principle #3 - "wedge effect"] with washer angle bigger than the thread angle you compress the washers while opening the nut
just think about the opposite design --> cam angle lower than the thread angle: turn the nut a tiny bit and suddenly the nut moves more up than the washer --> the nut is suddenly free because nut and washer separated
4. summary: with this design the joint has to overcome this loosening force before it can turn freely.
common problems for these joints are: hardened nut/base materials // corrosion

[salvagedsteelstudio]

As an engineer with a triple PhD in Machinistology, I can confidently declare that Nord-Lock Washers are the most groundbreaking invention since sliced bread! These washers are so powerful that they can hold together a black hole, prevent the Titanic from sinking, and even keep your shoelaces tied in a hurricane. If you don't have Nord-Lock Washers in your life, you're missing out on the true pinnacle of engineering marvels!
In addition, this video has not just changed my life; it has fundamentally altered the course of human history. The sheer brilliance of these washers, combined with my triple PhD in Machinistology, has opened up new dimensions of engineering possibility. Every time I see a Nord-Lock Washer in action, I'm reminded that we are living in an era of unparalleled innovation and technological advancement. It's safe to say that this video has reshaped the very fabric of my existence!
Thank you again, Nord-Lock. I can now die in peace, knowing the world is a much safer and tighter place.

[আবুবকর-ন১ধ]

what is the different between Nord-Lock and Twin-Lock?

[Netherlands]

Still don't understand how they work, 0:29 because alpha > beta ??

[shashwat]

Are they useful for motor cables - aluminum conductor cables

[PaulAndMuttley]

The cams appear to be opposite of what is needed for a right-hand bolt.

[subashchandrabose]

Sir, the idea was good. But here we are compromising another important purpose of the washer, which is even load distribution and not to make any scratches on the surface of the component.

[lvvry]

Let's see. You can't use them on wood or plastics - too soft; you can't use them on steel or ceramic - too hard. I think I'm done here.