Anti Rotation in Nut with low torque to start with

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods to prevent a nut from loosening in an application involving a load cell that cannot be tightly torqued due to sensitivity to output changes. Participants explore various locking mechanisms and alternatives to traditional tightening methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance for preventing a nut from loosening without applying high torque, as it affects the load cell's output.
  • Another participant suggests using Loctite Threadlock, but a later reply clarifies that it needs to be removable, ruling out permanent solutions.
  • Some participants propose alternative locking mechanisms, such as a special nut with a side screw or clamp, a jam nut, or a castle nut with a cotter pin or safety wire.
  • A participant introduces the idea of a nut with a cam mechanism operated by a lever to minimize wear on the threads while applying axial force.
  • There is a mention that not all Loctite products are non-removable, indicating variability in options.
  • One participant shares a link to a product that resembles a previously described locking mechanism but expresses reservations about recommending certain lockable nuts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views and suggestions for preventing the nut from loosening, with no consensus reached on a single solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants express limitations in their approaches, such as the inability to measure torque and the need for removable solutions, which may affect the applicability of suggested methods.

cps.13
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Hi,

i'm hoping to get a bit of assistance with stopping a nut from coming un-done if possible.

I have an application using a load cell which is being inserted into metal rod, and then pulled under tension. The load cell is inserted into a hole drilled in the rod and screwed in at the bottom end (loosely). The load cell has an external thread on the other end, which then has a nut placed on it and screwed down 'tight'.

my problem is that I cannot apply large amounts of torque to the load cell as it starts changing the output. But I also need it tight enough so it cannot come undone.

At the moment I have a nyloc nut on the thread (m20x1.5), I have tried using Nordlock washers but couldn't tighten the load cell up enough to get them to work.

the problem is I cannot measure how tight I am doing them up at the moment as I do not have a method of doing so.

But does anybody know of a good method of stopping a nut from coming undone when it isn't torqued up high to start with?

I cannot post drawings/images as its commercially sensitive.

thanks,
 
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Loctite Threadlock
 
sorry - should have said... it needs to be removable so I cannot "weld" it in using loctite.
 
Or make a special nut with side screw or side clamp locking .
 
Consider a nut that has a cam on either side, operated by one lever.
Run the nut down the thread until it first contacts, then swing the lever over to apply the axial force.
There will be very little wear on the thread since there is no pressure while thread turns.
 
Not all Loctite is non removable.
 
  • #11
rbelli1 said:
This? It is something like Baluncore described.
I do not recommend those lockable nuts.
Attached is a picture of a similar concept to my suggestion. But make it an over-centre cam that is big enough to contain the 20mm nut.
quick-release-cam-300x300.jpg
 

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