How to Use a Nylock Jam Nut

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Hex head or carriage bolt

  • Washers

  • Hammer

  • Hand broom

  • Threaded nuts

  • Nylock jam nut

  • Combination wrench

Nylock jam nuts for safety

A jam nut is used on top of any primary fastening nut to provide extra safety and security when fastening materials that are exposed to vibration, temperature fluctuations and other conditions that would cause a nut to loosen up from its bolt. Nylock washers are designed with a nylon insert within the threaded area of the nut. The nylon insert grabs onto the bolt threads, preventing the jam nut and the primary fastening nut from working loose. Different, customizable Nylock jam nut sizes, including varieties in thickness and inside and outside diameter, are available.

Advertisement

Step 1

Pass a hex head or a carriage bolt through the material to be fastened together. It is a good practice to use a washer below the head of a hex head bolt. Carriage bolt heads generally do not need washers. A hammer will help coax stubborn bolts through their pre-drilled holes.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Brush sawdust or metal shavings off of the exposed threads with a small hand broom and place a washer over the threaded end of the bolt. Thread the first nut onto the end of the bolt and tighten it down securely.

Step 3

Thread a Nylock jam nut over the threaded end of the bolt by hand until the threads hit the nylon insert. Use a combination wrench to finish tightening the Nylock jam nut.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references