304 Stainless Steel Keps K-Lock Nuts

What is a Keps nut?

The lock washer is captive on the nut, there is nothing to align, drop, or lose, which is the whole appeal. You carry fewer parts, install faster, and skip fumbling with small lock washers, while the external teeth still bite the surface for locking and good electrical grounding. In 304 stainless the nut resists corrosion for outdoor and damp use. One rule matters most: never over-torque a Keps nut, because over-tightening flattens the washer teeth and it loses its locking function. Keps nuts rely on the mating surface to work, so they suit panels and firm bearing faces.

Why choose 304 stainless Keps K-lock nuts

• One-piece speed: captive washer means no separate washer to handle.
• Locking and grounding: external teeth bite the surface.
• Corrosion resistant: 304 stainless holds up in wet and outdoor use.
• Non-galling: does not chew up the screw threads.

Common applications for 304 Keps nuts

• Electrical panels and enclosures
• Motors, appliances, and machinery
• Production and repetitive assembly
• Outdoor and damp electrical hardware

For metric assemblies, see Metric 18-8 stainless Keps nuts, and browse every material on the main lock nuts category.

304 Stainless Keps K-Lock Nuts FAQ

What is a Keps nut also called?

A K-lock nut or washer nut. It is a hex nut with an attached free-spinning external-tooth lock washer.

Why should I not over-torque a Keps nut?

Over-tightening flattens the washer teeth, and once flattened the nut loses its locking function. Tighten to the correct torque, no more.

Are Keps nuts good for heavy vibration?

They give light to moderate locking that relies on the mating surface. For heavy vibration, choose a nylon insert or all-metal lock nut.