The Stainless Steel K-Lock Nut (commonly known in the industry as a Keps Nut or Washer Nut) is a pre-assembled fastening system designed to streamline production lines. It consists of a standard hex nut with a free-spinning External Tooth Lock Washer attached to the bottom. Unlike standard nuts where the washer is separate, the Stainless Steel K-Lock Nut combines both components into a single unit, ensuring you never forget the washer again.
Product Overview: Our Stainless Steel K-Lock Nut is manufactured from premium Stainless Steel A2 (304) or A4 (316). It is widely used in electronics assembly, automotive dashboard mounting, and HVAC systems where vibration resistance and rapid assembly are critical.
Stainless Steel K-Lock Nut Specifications
| Product Name | K-Lock Nut / Keps Nut / K-Nut |
| Standard | ASME B18.16.6 (Reference) / Metric Standard |
| Material Grade | Stainless Steel A2 (304) / A4 (316) |
| Washer Type | External Tooth Lock Washer (Free Spinning) |
| Thread Type | Metric Coarse (M3 – M12) / UNC / UNF |
Engineering Insight: How a Keps Nut Works
The genius of the Stainless Steel K-Lock Nut lies in the washer design:
- Biting Action: The twisted teeth of the external washer act like tiny springs. When tightened, these sharp teeth bite into both the nut surface and the mating material, creating high friction that resists loosening.
- Electrical Conductivity: Because the teeth pierce through surface oxides or paint, Keps Nuts are excellent for creating electrical grounding points in server racks and electrical panels.
Keps Nut vs. Serrated Flange Nut
Many customers ask: “Why choose a Stainless Steel K-Lock Nut over a Flange Nut?”
- Grip: The teeth on a Keps Nut are more aggressive than the serrations on a flange nut, providing better bite on soft metals like aluminum.
- Flexibility: The washer on a Keps Nut can compress slightly, accommodating thermal expansion better than a solid flange.
For more details on washer nuts, please refer to the Keps nut entry on Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does the washer fall off?
A: No. The washer is mechanically captivated (crimped) onto the nut. It spins freely but cannot be removed.
Q: Can I reuse a Keps Nut?
A: We do not recommend it. The twisted teeth flatten out after the first installation, reducing their locking ability for the second use.
Looking for Metric K-Nuts?
Handan Bolt stocks millions of M4, M5, and M6 Stainless Steel K-Lock Nuts for the electronics assembly industry.
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