Product and application brief
A wedge-lock washer assembly consists of two matched annular pieces, with cam ramps at their mating interface and serrations on the outward bearing faces. It is not a single star washer or a split spring washer. Describe the complete joint and selected product identity before requesting a pair.
Product forms and reference names
| Choice or field | What to identify |
|---|---|
| Matched two-piece pair | Two compatible halves installed with the cam faces together and the serrated faces outward. Do not specify one loose half as a complete locking assembly. |
| Regular outer diameter | Identify bore, outer envelope, installed pair thickness and clearance beneath the head or nut. Check the chosen system against the actual recess and bearing face. |
| Enlarged outer diameter | A wider bearing form may be specified for large or slotted holes. Its suitability depends on the product, flange support and underlying material; a larger diameter alone does not qualify the joint. |
| Retained or preassembled pair | Adhesive or a retaining ring can hold matched halves in orientation for handling. These are product-specific arrangements, not a substitute for the cam interface. |
Cam interface versus outward serrations
HEICO describes ramps on the inner faces and radial teeth on the outer faces. The external teeth engage the bearing surfaces while relative movement is directed across the paired cams. This is a system principle, not a performance rating for an unidentified washer; actual geometry and material must follow its controlled product data.
Choose the assembly, not only the bolt diameter
Nord-Lock distinguishes tapped holes, studs and through-holes in its original washer guide; through-hole examples secure both the head and nut with separate pairs. It also identifies enlarged-OD forms used with flanged bearing faces for larger holes. Treat these as instructions for that named system, not a universal component count or interchangeable-brand approval.
Bearing surface and settlement boundaries
That guide excludes freely moving mating surfaces, surfaces harder than its washers, very soft substrates and extreme settlement. Describe hardness, coating, hole geometry and whether any intermediate part can rotate. A pair does not automatically cure relaxation, creep or loss of clamp force; these require a qualified joint and selected-product review.
Keep product-specific installation instructions together
HEICO instructions distinguish handling adhesive from the locking mechanism and warn against adding other washers or combining its washers with certain lock nuts. Obtain the actual system instructions, tightening method and lubricant condition. Do not mix halves, invent a torque from diameter alone, or transfer a supplier test, certificate or reuse claim to another product.
Specification fields
| Choice or field | What to identify |
|---|---|
| Product identity | Named manufacturer/product code if required, controlled drawing and revision, matched pair form and requested documentation; brand supply and affiliation require confirmation. |
| Dimensions and fit | Thread designation, bore and outer diameter, installed pair thickness, recess clearance, head/nut bearing diameter and hole or slot geometry. |
| Joint arrangement | Tapped hole, stud or through bolt; identify each secured bearing position and any intervening part. Supply an assembly drawing rather than assuming a universal pair count. |
| Contact surfaces | Underlying material/hardness, coating, surface condition, flange support and whether contact faces are fixed; explain soft material or expected settlement. |
| Material and finish | Required washer condition/finish and compatibility with the fastener and environment from the selected product data; no generic hardness or temperature promise. |
| Tightening and maintenance | Specified clamp-force basis, approved tightening procedure, lubrication, tool controls and inspection; removal and reuse criteria must be product-specific. |
| Order and evidence | Quantity in complete matched pairs, identification and packing, traceability and application evidence requested; actual supply, approvals and delivery remain subject to confirmation. |
Common product questions
Is a wedge-lock pair the same as a toothed lock washer?
No. A toothed washer is a single element; the wedge-lock form has two matched halves with a cam interface between them and serrated bearing faces outside.
Can I add an ordinary washer or swap one half?
Do not assume so. Intermediate freely rotating parts and unmatched halves can defeat the intended interface. Follow the selected product instructions for the complete assembly.
Does a reference to a brand or vibration test establish our supply approval?
No. Original manufacturer references identify structures and restrictions only. Supply identity, certificates, application performance, torque and reuse need evidence for the actual product and joint.
Related product choices
- Toothed lock washers: single-element internal and external tooth forms
- Split spring washers: a different one-piece construction
- Hardened structural washers: verify the selected bolting system
- Drawing-based washer and interface requirements
Product references
References checked 10 October 2026 identify structures, not FastenerBridge stock, certification or brand affiliation. Final requirements follow the selected specification. No universal dimensions, load rating or tightening torque is stated.