Nyloninsert

Nylon insert lock nuts, commonly known as nyloc or nylok nuts, are a type of locknut that uses a small nylon collar embedded inside the nut. When the nut is tightened onto a bolt, the nylon insert deforms and grips the threads, producing a locking action that resists loosening caused by vibration, impact, or cycling.

Construction and operation: A typical nyloc nut is a hex nut made from steel or stainless steel with a molded nylon insert. The nylon is usually a polyamide such as nylon 6/6. The insert fills a portion of the internal thread and creates friction and mechanical interference as the bolt threads pass through it. The locking effect increases with clamp load, but excessive tightening can damage the nylon. Nylon inserts can creep under sustained load and higher temperatures, reducing locking efficiency over time. Reuse is possible but the locking performance diminishes with wear and repeated installation.

Applications and installation: Nyloc nuts are widely used in automotive, machinery, electronics, and consumer appliances where vibration is a concern and where simple, tool-free locking is advantageous. They are compatible with standard bolt threads and are installed with standard tightening tools. To maintain effectiveness, avoid over-tightening, and replace the nut if the nylon insert shows visible wear, cracking, or loss of locking action. They are less suitable for high-temperature or aggressive chemical environments, as nylon properties degrade under heat or chemical exposure.

Materials and availability: Available in carbon steel or stainless steel, often with zinc plating or other corrosion-resistant finishes. They come in a wide range of metric and imperial thread sizes and are offered in various hardness and coating options to suit different service conditions.