Locking washers
A lock washer prevents loosening of the lock nut that secures a bearing to a shaft or adapter sleeve. The inner tab engages the keyway of the shaft or sleeve to prevent rotation, and one of the outer tabs is bent into a notch in the lock nut to stop the nut from turning. Dimensions are specified for each designation number, such as the metric MB series used with AN/AW nuts and the inch-series W. For large-diameter lock nuts, a fixing clip or fixing plate fastened to the nut with bolts may be used instead of a washer. These are used in shaft fixing areas of machine tools, pumps, and conveyors.
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Locking washers
Inch-Series W Lock Washer
Inch-series lock washer. Available in nominal sizes W00 to W44 with varying inside diameter, outside diameter and thickness.
SKF
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Locking washers
MB(L) Lock Washer
Lock washer used with a lock nut to prevent rotation of bearings. Available in MB 0 to MB 56.
SKF
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Locking washers
Locking Washers, Fixing Clips and Fixing Plates
Simple and highly reliable fixing devices that prevent lock nuts from loosening. Available in three types: lock washers, clips, and plates.
SKF
How to choose Locking washers
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1. Match the lock nut designation number
Select the lock washer according to the designation number of the lock nut it will be used with. Each series is fixed, such as AN/AW-series nuts for metric MB and N-series nuts for inch-series W. Mixing different series will cause the tabs and notches not to align, preventing proper fixing.
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2. Match the inner diameter to the shaft or sleeve diameter
The inner diameter d corresponds to the thread diameter of the applicable shaft or adapter sleeve. Confirm that the inner tab fits properly into the keyway, together with the keyway width and depth. For inch-series products, pay attention to the unit used in the dimension notation.
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3. Check the outer diameter and nut notch position
The outer diameter d2 determines whether the outer tab can be bent into the notch of the lock nut. Based on the outer diameter, also check for interference with surrounding housings and seals.
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4. Account for axial space using the thickness
The thickness B adds to the axial dimension from the bearing to the nut. During design, confirm that the threaded section is long enough and that the plate thickness allows the tab to be bent.
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5. Select material according to the operating environment
Steel is generally used, but in environments exposed to water or chemicals, consider stainless steel to avoid seizure caused by rust and loss of strength. Also consider compatibility with the nut and shaft materials.
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6. Consider clip or plate systems for large diameters
For large-diameter nuts or locations where bending the tabs is difficult, a system using fixing clips or fixing plates fastened with bolts can be used. Confirm that all components, including bolts, washers, and wire, are available.
This guide was written by AI based on the listed products' documents and specification items. Check each manufacturer's documents before adopting.