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Are Lock Washers Reusable or Disposable? Expert Advice for Industrial Applications
Posted: July 03, 2025
Categories: News
Types of Lock Washers and Reusability
Split (Helical) Lock Washers
Split lock washers are super common. They push like a spring to keep fasteners snug, stopping them from wiggling loose.
How They Work
Their twisty shape digs into the surface and the bolt head. This fights against turning. But when you tighten them, they squish flat. That can make them less strong if you try to use them again.
Good and Bad Stuff About Reusing
Good: In easy jobs, you might reuse them if they look okay.
Bad: They lose their bouncy shape and get bent. This makes them wobbly for reuse.
Tooth-Type Lock Washers (Internal/External/Serrated)
Tooth-type lock washers have sharp edges that grab onto surfaces like little claws.
How They Work
The teeth make lots of grip spots. They hold super tight against spinning.
Why They’re Usually Not Reusable
The teeth get squished after you use them once. This makes them weaker. Using a bent washer again can mess up the bolt’s grip and make things unsafe.
Specialty Lock Washers
These are fancy ones like Belleville washers, wedge-lock washers (like Nord-Lock), and Schnorr washers.
Reuse Tips for These
- Belleville Washers: You can reuse them if they’re not too squished and still springy.
- Wedge-Lock Washers: Made for reusing in shaky places. Check them for damage first, like Nord-Lock
- Schnorr Safety Washers: Reuse is okay sometimes, but only if they’re still strong and the surface is good.
Criteria for Reusing Lock Washers
Look at Them Closely
Check for cracks, flat spots, or dull teeth on tooth-type lock washers. If you see any yucky damage, toss them and grab new ones.
Are They Still Strong?
A lock washer gotta keep its bounce and grip to work right. Even if it looks fine, it might not be springy enough anymore.
What the Pros Say
QEWIT says swap out lock washers in big, important jobs. Some places, like airplane engines (Lycoming), say never reuse any locking stuff. It’s too risky!
Risks and Consequences of Reuse
Weaker Locking Power
A used lock washer might not hold tight, especially if it’s bent. This lets bolts wiggle loose, super bad in shaky machines.
Dangerous Problems
In big-deal stuff like car brakes or airplane parts, a reused lock washer can cause huge messes. Things might break or even crash!
Real-Life Examples
- Cars: Reusing might mess up your warranty.
- Buildings: Loose bolts can make bridges or towers wobbly.
Expert Opinions & Real-World Feedback
What Manuals Say
- Lycoming (Airplane Engines): Says use new locking stuff every time.
- ISO & DIN Rules: Usually say don’t reuse unless the washer’s specs say it’s okay.
What Engineers Think
Some folks say it’s fine to reuse if the lock washer still looks springy. Others say the risk is too big compared to saving a few pennies.
Stories from the Field
QEWIT’s team says check carefully and use new, certified lock washers for super important jobs. It’s the safest way!
Best Practices & Reuse Guidelines
When Reusing Is Okay
- Look for scratches, cracks, or weird shapes.
- Test the bounce with special tools like spring gauges.
- Clean off dirt and use the right tightening force, like the manual says.
When You Gotta Replace
- Any damage or weird bends.
- In machines with lots of shaking, heat, or twisting.
- If the lock washergot squeezed too hard before.
Other Cool Locking Ideas
- Thread Lockers (Loctite): Gooey stuff that keeps threads tight and reusable.
- Nylon Insert Nuts: Have a plastic bit for locking that stays strong.
- Wedge-Lock Systems: Awesome for heavy jobs and reusable if checked.
Cost vs. Safety Tradeoffs
Saving Money vs. Big Risks
Reusing a lock washer might save a tiny bit of cash. But if it fails, you could spend tons fixing broken stuff or dealing with accidents.
Why New Ones Are Worth It
QEWIT makes top-notch lock washers checked under ISO9001. They can even give 3.1 certification for super important jobs. In tough spots, new lock washers keep things safe and save your gear.
More About Lock Washers
Lock washers are like tiny superheroes for bolts and nuts! They stop things from falling apart in machines that shake or twist. QEWIT knows all about making strong, safe lock washers. From cars to bridges to planes, their lock washers keep stuff tight. Whether you pick split lock washers, tooth-type, or fancy wedge-lock washers, QEWIT has the best ones for your job.
Fun Facts About Lock Washers
Did you know lock washers have been around forever? They’re used in tons of cool places, like trains, cranes, and even space stuff! Nord-Lock’s wedge-lock washers are super tough and can handle crazy shaking, like in the Junker test. QEWIT’s lock washers are tested to be awesome, keeping machines safe all over the world.
Why QEWIT Is the Best
QEWIT isn’t just about selling lock washers—they make the strongest ones! Their lock washers meet ISO9001 rules and can come with 3.1 certification for big jobs. They test every lock washer to make sure it’s super tough. With QEWIT, you get safe, trusty lock washers for any machine, from little cars to giant factories.
Conclusion
Some lock washers, like wedge-lock washers, can be reused if they look okay and still grip tight. But in big, risky jobs, it’s smarter to use new ones every time. QEWIT says check them super carefully if you wanna reuse. For the best safety, use a fresh lock washer to keep your machines strong and safe.
FAQ
Q1: Can I reuse a split lock washer in a non-critical application?
A: Yes, if it still looks twisty and bouncy. But always check it with your eyes and test its strength.
Q2: Are wedge-lock washers reusable?
A: Totally! Fancy ones like Nord-Lock are made for reusing, as long as they pass a check and hold tight.
Q3: What does QEWIT recommend for locking applications under high vibration?
A: QEWIT says use certified wedge-lock washers or mix thread lockers with new lock washers for super safe, long-lasting holds.
