c66vet

I am inquiring to find out the pro's and cons of using nyloc nuts instead of a nut an lock washer. Is there any area on the car where a nyloc should not be used, other than the exhaoust?

Nyloc's are common today and widely used instead of the nut and lock washer. Is there a life expectancy of the nylon used in the nyloc nut. Nyloc nuts are much easier to use and more forgiving on components.

I am not building a NCRS car, but have seen NCCC cars with nyloc's used .

Thanks
Bob

CaveCreekChump

I use nylock nuts with lockwashers wherever and whenever the opportunity presents itself.

wmf62

i see no problem with using nylocs, and use them with flat washers instead of lock washers. the only problem i can foresee is that repeated removal/reinstallation of the nut will degrade the nylon portion and after a few uses (and i can't quantify a 'few') it would be best to use a new nut.
Bill

AZDoug

Pros:

Won't vibrate off even if loosened up

Easier to use in tight places where it may be hard to keep a lock washer in place while getting the nut on.

Cons:

They don't like heat

harder to install or remove in tight places as it takes torque to turn the nut the entire time is is being threaded on or off, vs a simple spin until tightening or after loosening. Though not that big of a deal on a proper length bolt.

Doug

Black60

No HEAT.

Doug is right on.

They are great in most applications though. A little anti sieze as usual and off you go.

John S 1961

Once torqued past about 5 lbs the "lock washer" contributes nothing, its the clamp load produced by torquing to 80% of the fastener yield value that keeps the fastener tight. The best use for a lock washer is for visually being able to check if the fastener is tightened at all. Usually for some sort of high volume manufacturing process or on a farm. Always use self locking nuts (nylock), if heat is an issue there are deformed thread types. If you were obsessive compulsive, use them only once, otherwise two to three times max.

sub006

Ed Roth's Outlaw was disqualified from the Oakland Roadster show back around '59 because he had Nylocs in the front suspension/steering. Techs said it was a no-no. He kept building cars but I don't believe he entered one in competition again.

If it had been accepted, Barris' Ala Kart might not have won two Grand Nationals in a row.

66since71

Consider prevailing torque nuts (John S 1961 menitoned them too). They are crimped so the threads are no longer round. Fairly common are ones with a dimple on every other flat from the crimping process.

Great in vibration applications (we used them at VW for mounting engine accessories).

No issues with heat. probably more resistance to backing off than Nylocks..

Harry

CWPASADENA

Most Nylocls that you find in a hardware store are Grade 2 which are not very good for strength. I have a Speciality Fastener Store near me that sells hardware for performance and race cars that sell Grade 8 Nylock nuts. If you can find them, Grade 8 are are much better quality and a lot stronger. I even use Nylock nuts on the rear spring to trailing arm tie bolts. It makes it a cinch to adjust rear ride hight. The NCRS amy not like it but My 65 is a driver.

Go for it!!!

Chris, CWPASADENA

Kensmith

Been using them on hot rods for years.

65hihp

Bet you also wear suspenders with your belt?

CWPASADENA

When I bought my 65, it had 1/2-13 Grade 2 rear spring tie bolts with just a nut and lock washer holding the rear of the car up. I do not think I even drove it around the block before I changed them to 5/8-18 Grade 8 with Grade 8 Nylock nuts. Having one of these break is not a good situation at all.

Chris, CWPASADENA

3JsVette

The anti sieze IS important. You can snap a bolt in 1/2 without it. Ask me how I know. :o

wmf62

OK, i'm puzzled... why the need for antiseize? nylocs don't go on that hard, and there is no reason for the nylon to adhere to the bolting material.
Bill

mashinter

Castle nuts and cotter pins were used back then. My '92 still has them on the tie rod ends. No worries about a worn-out or defective nylock. The '92 also has greaseable ball joints. Thank you, GM.

jim lockwood

Bill, maybe he used stainless steel Nyloks on stainless bolts once and had the stainless seize up. I made this mistake..... once.

Jim

CWPASADENA

I would Nylocks to replace applications where nuts and lock washers were used but I would NOT use Nylocks to replace castle nuts and cotter keys as used with the steering linkage. This is just too critical of stuff to come loose.

Chris CWPASADENA

CaveCreekChump

You say that like it's weird or something.

3JsVette

That's the story and I SNAPPED an ARP bolt right in 1/2 and Jim you're right you only make that mistake once because it really gets your attention.

Mike McCoy

I used nylocks everywhere on open wheel race cars forever. Aircraft use them all over the airframe and engine. Remember, they have a third direction to worry about!