LOCK WASHER Meaning and
Definition
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A lock washer refers to a type of hardware fastening component primarily used in mechanical and engineering applications. It is designed to securely hold and prevent the loosening or rotation of bolts, nuts, or screws in various assemblies.
A lock washer is typically a flat or spring-shaped metallic washer with various ridges, waves, or indentations on its surface. It usually has a hole in the center to enable insertion onto threaded fasteners. The purpose of these unique features is to create frictional resistance or preload between the fastener and the surface it is attached to.
When a lock washer is installed, the ridges or waves on its surface get compressed under the tension generated by the tightening of the fastener. This compression creates a locking effect between the washer and the fastener, as well as between the washer and the surface. The resulting friction helps to prevent the fastening components from gradually loosening due to vibration, external forces, or changes in temperature.
Lock washers are commonly used in automotive, aerospace, construction, and industrial applications where maintaining the integrity of the assembled components is critical. They provide additional security and reliability to fastened connections, ensuring that bolts or nuts stay tightened even under demanding conditions.
Overall, the primary purpose of a lock washer is to serve as a reliable locking device that prevents unwanted loosening or rotation of fasteners, thus enhancing the integrity and safety of mechanical assemblies.
Common Misspellings for LOCK WASHER
- lockwasher
- kock washer
- pock washer
- oock washer
- lick washer
- lkck washer
- llck washer
- lpck washer
- l0ck washer
- l9ck washer
- loxk washer
- lovk washer
- lofk washer
- lodk washer
- locj washer
- locm washer
- locl washer
- loco washer
- loci washer
- lock qasher
Etymology of LOCK WASHER
The term "lock washer" is composed of two words: "lock" and "washer".
The word "lock" has its origins in Middle English, derived from Old English "loc", meaning "fastening". It can also be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "luko", which means "fastening" or "bolt". The term "lock" generally refers to any device or mechanism used to secure or fasten objects together.
The word "washer" also has roots in Middle English, derived from "washing", which was originally used in the verb sense of "to cleanse". Over time, "washer" evolved to refer specifically to a flat, round, or oblong thin plate with a hole in the center. Washers are commonly utilized to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, such as a nut or bolt, and to prevent it from loosening or damaging the surface it is being fastened onto.
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