18-8 Stainless Steel Two Way Reversible Lock Nuts
What are 18-8 stainless two way reversible lock nuts? 18-8 stainless two way reversible lock nuts, also called centerlock nuts, are all-metal lock nuts with indentations on the hex that slightly distort the center threads to resist loosening. Made from corrosion-resistant 18-8 stainless, they lock from either side and hold at temperatures that would soften a nylon insert.
What is a two way reversible lock nut?
A two way lock nut is compressed with indentations on the flat sides that distort the center threads, creating prevailing torque that resists loosening. Because the distortion is in the middle, the nut locks whether you thread it top-up or top-down, which speeds assembly. Being all-metal, it keeps locking at high temperatures and through more reuse than a nylon insert nut. In 18-8 stainless it adds corrosion resistance for outdoor and marine-adjacent work. Use anti-seize to prevent galling as you run the nut down.
Why choose 18-8 stainless two way lock nuts
- All-metal locking: no nylon to soften in heat.
- Reversible: locks threaded from either side.
- Reusable: holds locking action over repeated use.
- Corrosion resistant: 18-8 stainless holds up in wet and outdoor use.
Common applications for 18-8 two way lock nuts
- High-temperature and engine-area hardware
- Equipment serviced and reassembled often
- Heavy vibration joints
- Outdoor and marine-adjacent hardware
For the best corrosion resistance, see 316 stainless two way lock nuts, and browse every material on the main lock nuts category.
18-8 Stainless Two Way Reversible Lock Nuts FAQ
What does two way or reversible mean?
The center-thread distortion lets the nut lock whether threaded top-up or top-down, so there is no wrong side, which speeds installation.
How is this different from a nylon insert lock nut?
It locks with distorted metal threads instead of a nylon collar, so it keeps working at high temperatures that would soften nylon and tolerates more reuse.
Why does it feel stiff to thread?
The distorted-thread locking section creates friction by design. Use anti-seize on stainless to prevent galling as you run the nut down.