Lock Nuts

Custom & Special Lock Nuts

Pattern Fasteners manufactures and supplies custom lock nuts and special locking nuts for engineering, machinery and industrial applications.

Lock nuts are designed to resist loosening caused by vibration, movement or repeated loading. Depending on the application, locking can be achieved through a nylon insert, deformed thread, prevailing torque feature, mechanical locking design or other specialist geometry.

We can produce lock nuts to customer drawings, samples and individual specifications, including non-standard thread sizes, dimensions, materials and locking features.

What Are Lock Nuts?

Lock nuts are used where a conventional nut may be at risk of working loose during service.

They are commonly used in:

• Machinery and equipment

• Automotive assemblies

• Construction products

• Vibration-prone applications

• Moving mechanical systems

• Industrial equipment

• Specialist engineering assemblies

The most suitable locking method depends on the operating environment, load, temperature, service conditions and whether the nut needs to be removed and reused.

Types of Lock Nuts

Lock nuts are available in a number of different forms, including:

• Nylon insert lock nuts

• Prevailing torque nuts

• All-metal lock nuts

• Deformed thread lock nuts

• Flange lock nuts

• Castellated or slotted locking nuts

• Application-specific locking designs

Each type offers different advantages depending on the assembly requirements.

Nylon Insert Lock Nuts

Nylon insert lock nuts use a polymer insert to create friction against the mating thread.

This helps resist loosening under vibration and makes them a common choice for many general engineering applications.

Where temperatures or operating conditions are unsuitable for a nylon insert, an all-metal locking solution may be more appropriate.

All-Metal Lock Nuts

All-metal lock nuts achieve their locking action without a polymer insert.

This makes them suitable for applications where higher temperatures, chemical exposure or demanding service conditions would make a nylon insert unsuitable.

They can also be useful where a fully metallic fastening solution is required.

Custom Lock Nuts

Where a standard lock nut is unavailable or unsuitable, Pattern Fasteners can manufacture bespoke components to meet the application.

Custom features can include:

• Non-standard thread sizes

• Metric and imperial threads

• Fine and coarse pitches

• Special nut widths and heights

• Flanged forms

• Reduced or enlarged hexagons

• Special locking sections

• Slots and cross holes

• Grooves

• Special materials

• Customer-defined finishes

This allows the nut design to be matched closely to the mating fastener and surrounding assembly.

Lock Nut Materials

Lock nuts can be manufactured in a wide range of engineering materials, including:

• Carbon steels

• Alloy steels

• Stainless steels

• Brass

• Aluminium

• Copper alloys

• Nickel alloys

• Specialist engineering materials

The correct material will depend on factors such as strength, corrosion resistance, operating temperature and compatibility with the rest of the assembly.

Stainless Steel Lock Nuts

Stainless steel lock nuts are suitable where corrosion resistance and durability are important.

They can be manufactured in a range of grades to suit industrial, outdoor and specialist environments.

Lock Nuts Made to Drawing

Many specialist lock nut requirements are application-specific.

Pattern Fasteners can manufacture directly from your engineering drawing, dimensional specification or physical sample.

This is particularly useful for:

• Non-standard machinery

• Replacement components

• Obsolete equipment

• Prototype assemblies

• Specialist production systems

• Custom fastening applications

UK Manufacturer of Special Lock Nuts

Pattern Fasteners manufactures special fasteners and precision-engineered components in the West Midlands.

Whether you require a conventional locking nut form or a completely bespoke design with non-standard threads, dimensions or locking features, we can manufacture to your drawing or specification.

Need a Custom Lock Nut?

Send us your drawing, sample or specification and our team can review the thread, material, locking method, dimensions and manufacturing requirements for your component.