Keps K-Lock Nuts
What are Keps K-Lock Nuts?
Keps K-Lock nuts (also called K-nuts or washer lock nuts) are hex nuts permanently assembled with a free-spinning external-tooth lock washer. The captive washer bites into the mating surface as the nut is tightened, speeding assembly and helping resist loosening from vibration.
Why Use Keps K-Lock Nuts?
- Faster assembly: Built-in washer means fewer loose parts and quicker installs.
- Vibration resistance: External teeth provide prevailing friction and bite into the surface for a secure hold.
- Consistent hardware stack: Captive washer keeps spacing and appearance uniform across builds.
- Field friendly: Fewer parts to drop; ideal for line work and service calls.
Common Applications for Keps K-Lock Nuts
- Electronics, enclosures, and panels
- HVAC, appliances, and light machinery
- Automotive trim, brackets, and accessories
- Signage, racking, and general fabrication
Keps K-Lock Nuts — Materials & Sizes
- Materials: Zinc-plated carbon steel for dry indoor use; 304 stainless steel for corrosion resistance; A2 metric stainless for international builds.
- Threads: Inch (e.g., 6-32, 8-32, 10-24/32, 1/4"-20, 5/16"-18) and metric (e.g., M4, M5, M6, M8). Match diameter & pitch exactly to the mating bolt or stud.
- Washer style: External-tooth star washer, free-spinning and permanently attached.
How to Install Keps K-Lock Nuts
- Start the nut by hand to avoid cross-threading.
- Tighten with the correct wrench or driver until the washer teeth fully seat.
- Do not over-torque: crushing the teeth defeats the locking action; use the specified torque for the bolt size/grade and base material.
- For painted or delicate surfaces, consider a flat washer beneath the teeth or switch to a serrated-flange/nylon-insert solution.
Selection Tips for Keps K-Lock Nuts
- Choose stainless for outdoor or damp environments; 304/A2 covers most needs.
- Verify clearance—captive washer adds diameter under the nut.
- If your application sees high heat (>~250°F / 121°C) or soft plastics, evaluate an all-metal prevailing-torque or nyloc solution instead.
Are Keps K-Lock Nuts Reusable?
Yes—limited reuse is possible. The washer’s bite and friction reduce with cycles and surface wear. Replace the nut if locking feels weak or if it is used in a critical joint.
Keps K-Lock Nuts FAQs
Fast, one-piece locking in light machinery, electronics, panels, and general assemblies where vibration resistance and quick installs matter.
They provide reliable vibration resistance for light-to-moderate duty. For higher loads/heat, use all-metal prevailing-torque; for general purpose, nyloc works well.
A few times, but the teeth wear. Replace if locking resistance feels weak or for safety-critical connections.
They can. Use a sacrificial flat washer, mask the finish, or switch to a nyloc/serrated flange solution.
Zinc-plated steel for dry indoor; 304 stainless (A2) for corrosion resistance and outdoor use.
Follow the bolt size/grade torque chart and consider base material. Over-torque can flatten the teeth and reduce the lock.