Can be used in conjunction with locking washers or provided with some other form of anti-rotation system such as a locking plate. These are provided with slots and when the nut is in it's tightened down position, the bolt or screw is drilled in line with one of the slots in the nut and a split pin inserted. There are other forms of nuts such as those which are square in outline, but it is unusual for any of these to be used in engineering applications. Washers Washers are used to prevent damage to a component which can occur when a nut is tightened down. The nut can bite into the surface and cause severe scoring which in some circumstances could induce fatigue failure.
Tapered washers are available when using a bolted connection on rolled steel sections.
These sections often have tapered flanges which will not allow the bolt head or nut to lie fiat without deformation. There are several types of locking washers which can be used to prevent a bolted connection coming loose. Of these the spring washer and serrated washer are the most common. Disclaimer Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this information, neither the author nor the University of Southampton will accept responsibility for loss, damage etc. however arising occasioned by the use of this information.