Nylon insert lock nuts are hex nuts that have a captive nylon washer mounted in their top to create a prevailing torque type lock nut.It’s an economical means of combatting loosening from vibration.
A nylon neck situated at the top of the nut, is slightly narrower than the thread; as the nut is tightened, the nylon grips the corresponding thread.
Due to limitations of the non-metallic insert, the nuts cannot be used at elevated temperatures or with certain chemicals but the nylon washer does provide a gas and moisture seal.
Various colors of nylon are used; some manufacturers use a specific color.
Regular, thin pattern and machine screw nylon insert lock nuts are used in aerospace, agricultural equipment, appliances, avionics, computers, furniture, home and garden, lighting, medical equipment and vehicles (auto, truck and trailer).
Heavy pattern types are used on bridges and buildings, in heavy industry, and on oil field machinery and railroad equipment.
Nylon insert lock nuts are also known as: aircraft lock nuts, elastic lock nuts, elastic stop nuts, nyloc nuts, nylock nuts, nylon insert stop nuts, stop nuts.