Split Lock Washers

A split lock washer, also known as a helical spring washer or a split washer, is a type of lock washer designed to prevent nuts and bolts from loosening due to vibration or other external forces. It is one of the most common and widely used types of lock washers. A split lock washer has a helical or coiled shape with a split or gap along one side. When it is placed under the nut or bolt head and the fastener is tightened, the washer is compressed. This compression creates tension in the washer, and the helical shape exerts a spring-like force, trying to expand back to its original shape. This tension and spring-like action help to maintain the tightness of the fastener assembly. Split lock washers are commonly used in various applications, such as machinery, automotive, construction, and industrial equipment, where vibration and dynamic forces could cause fasteners to come undone. While they are effective in many cases, it's important to note that there are other types of lock washers, such as toothed lock washers and internal/external tooth lock washers, that may provide alternative solutions depending on the specific requirements of the application.