Reusing lock washers

I think you are on the right wavelength Alan. Try a split lockwasher and see how much improvement it provides.

I was taught that a split lockwasher does its work in two ways:

1. The "compression spring" action compensates for differential thermal expansion when the screw material is different from the parts it's securing, by "taking up the slack".

1. The ends of the washer's one turn helix are sharp enough to dig into softer material on the underside of the screw head (or nut) and the material on the other side of the washer to resist unscrewing. All the split lockwashers I've seen look like they are made to work that way with right handed fasteners.

Jeff

"Grant Erwin" wrote:(clip) companies like people who think like that. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ That's true of a well-run company. However, I used to work for a family-owned company that could not accept input from their employees. They eventually went broke.

Sad statement about the owners, isn't it?

I was trained in a missile facility and received several awards (only on paper) for cost saving ideas. In spite of the fact that I was just an apprentice, they recognized, and were grateful for, improvements in their operation, regardless of the source. Often times the only person to be aware of a given problem was the guy running the job. Who better to look to for suggestions?

Harold

Alan Reinhart wrote in news:BCF8C868.3B8% snipped-for-privacy@comcast.net:

I would suggest a star washer for this application.

"Harold & Susan Vordos" wrote in news:40d3f642 snipped-for-privacy@newspeer2.tds.net:

Many companies now have a 'formal' type suggestion program, as they realize that *TONS* of money can be cut out of the cost of manufacturing a product with employee suggestions. You are correct, the only person who *REALLY* knows what's going on is the guy/gal actually doing the job. There is no better source of cost reduction. It may cost some money up front to implement the ideas, and this is where some of the smaller companies may balk, but given a proper ROI analysis, they should see the benefits/drawbacks. Many of the suggestions that prove fruitful are small things, like repositioning a piece of equipment or a better hand tool or something so the operator doesn't have to strain/reach/walk/turn so much. May seem trivial, but if that change allows the operator to make a few more widgets in a shift, that adds up to $$$ at the end of the day in both increased productivity and decreased cost/piece.

Same suggestion from me, Anthony, as a regular split lock washer will eventually tear up the material underneath it from being installed and un-installed so many times. Star washer (especially if an internal star) would only grip the underside of the head of the screw to prevent it from loosening, but not damage the material the screw is screwed into. Ken.

Actually it grips the fastener and the material, otherwise how would it lock? A star washer performs its' function exactly the same as a slpit washer but with multiple grips vice a single grip like a split washer.

Shawn

Okay, I agree, but I still think an internal star would do less "damage" to the "base" (I know, depending on material and a lot of other factors). Seems the OP in this situation is just using the screw to hold a blade in place, and has been instructed to "severely tighten down the screw". Wondering if some type of a toggle clamp would work, to apply the needed pressure to hold the blade in place and prevent, or eliminate, the screw and wear&tear altogether? Ken.