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Nylon Jam Lock Nuts in 304 Stainless Steel
Thin Lock Nuts with a Nylon Insert Stopper
A nylon insert lock nut is hex-shaped, internally threaded with a nylon insert or collar. The nylon material prevents loosening from vibration by increasing friction between the nylon and the screw thread. The insert deforms elastically over the threads of the screw, but threads are not cut into the nylon. This lock nut style is also referred to as a nyloc or nylock nut, polymer insert lock nut, or elastic stop nut.
The nylon insert locks the nut in two ways. First, it forces the bottom face of the screw threads against the nut threads' top face, increasing the friction between them. Second, the nylon applies a compressive force against the screw itself. Nylon lock nuts can maintain this locking ability up to 250 °F or 121 °C.
Nylon lock nuts are not made to be backed-off after being applied. Attempting to do so creates cross threads that stop the nut from backing off the fastener.
Nylon Jam Nuts
A Nylon Jam Lock Nut, or just nylon jam nut, is a low profile version of the traditional nylon lock nut. They are ideal for applications requiring a more compact installation.
Stainless Steel
18-8 or 304 grades of Stainless steel are suitable for many general purpose applications, especially freshwater and non-salt water wet environments. Corrosion-resistant and durable, 18-8 stainless steel is equivalent to the A2 grade of stainless steel.
| Nut Sizes | Flats | Height |
| #4 | 0.251" | 0.125" |
| #5 | - | - |
| #6 | 0.313" | 0.141" |
| #8 | 0.345" | 0.188" |
| #10 | 0.376" | 0.188" |
| #12 | 0.439" | 0.218" |
| 1/4" | 0.439" | 0.218" |
| 5/16" | 0.502" | 0.265" |
| 3/8" | 0.563" | 0.281" |
| 7/16" | 0.627" | 0.328" |
| 1/2" | 0.752" | 0.328" |
| 5/8" | 0.940" | 0.407" |
| 3/4" | 1.064" | 0.421" |
| 7/8" | 1.252" | 0.484" |
| 1" | 1.440" | 0.578" |
FAQs
How does a nylon lock nut work?
Nylon lock nuts have a nylon collar inserted into a recess at the nut's top. This recess and nylon insert are slightly smaller than the outer thread diameter. The insert deforms elastically over the threads of the screw, but threads are not cut into the nylon. This elasticity causes friction between the nylon collar and the screw making the connection resistant to loosening.
Which way do nylon lock nuts go?
Nylon lock nuts go nylon side away from the head of the bolt or screw. The threading should be coming out of the nylon insert side of the nut as the bolt or screw is fastened.
Are Nylock nuts reusable?
Yes, nylon insert lock nuts are reusable. However, we do not recommend frequent repurposing of the same nylon lock nuts in critical connections on a given application.
What is the purpose of a Nylock nut?
Nylock nuts are economical lock nuts for applications involving vibration or motion. The nylon insert of these locking nuts helps the assembly resist loosening under the application's vibration or motion.
What is stainless steel good for?
Stainless steel is good for general purpose applications, especially those involving water or freshwater. Suppose you need stainless steel for more corrosive environments, such as marine or salt-water applications. In that case, we recommend the 316 grade of stainless steel.
Can I use stainless steel nuts with bolts of a different metal?
Depends on the material. Some materials, such as zinc plated steel, are safe to mix with stainless steel. However, aluminum is not safe to use because it risks galvanic corrosion of the materials. We recommend keeping like-metals together in applications.
