Locking vs Flat washers

[motosierra]

Does anyone know if locking and flat washers have distinct and specific purposes or can they be used interchangeably?:monkey:

 

[hornett22]

i don't see why not except with plastic maybe.

you could always use them together.

 

[Cerran]

Locking washers are usually used in situations where vibrations might back the bolt off but a high tensile strength is not needed

Flat washers are typically used in situations where bolt stretch and low vibration are normal.

 

[motosierra]

Locking washers are usually used in situations where vibrations might back the bolt off but a high tensile strength is not needed

Flat washers are typically used in situations where bolt stretch and low vibration are normal.

So would a locking washer be an adequate substitution for a flat washer?

 

[motosierra]

Locking washers are usually used in situations where vibrations might back the bolt off but a high tensile strength is not needed

Flat washers are typically used in situations where bolt stretch and low vibration are normal.

Thank you for your excellent response.

 

[Poley4]

So would a locking washer be an adequate substitution for a flat washer?

No, lock washers and flat washers are made for different applications, that is if your talking about the traditional split type lock washers that we use here in the US.

 

[crashagn]

On the farm.. any metal on metal contact.. no washers. If you wanted it to stay there untill the thing rusted away.. tack weld the dang nut on. If its on a high vibration or moving part then yes.. split washers. Only time we used flat is when usin a bolt through wood.