ASME/ANSI B18.16.6 Nylon Insert Thin Locknuts

When a fastening joint has limited clearance around the nut, a conventional full-height locknut may add unnecessary height to the assembly. ASME/ANSI B18.16.6 Nylon Insert Thin Locknuts provide a more compact alternative, combining a reduced-profile hex body with a nylon locking element to retain the nut on the mating thread. During installation, the nylon insert interferes with the bolt thread and creates prevailing torque as the nut is tightened. This mechanical resistance helps maintain the nut’s position during service, while the thinner body reduces the amount of space occupied by the nut above the joint. The result is a locking fastener suited to assemblies where both thread retention and overall fastening height need to be considered.

This design can be useful when components are mounted close to one another, when the available space for a nut is limited, or when reducing the external profile of the fastening point is desirable. Depending on the service environment, the locknuts can be specified in suitable steel or stainless steel materials, thread sizes, and surface finishes to match the mating bolt and application requirements.

Specification:

ASME/ANSI B18.16.6 Nylon Insert Thin Locknuts combine a reduced-height hexagonal nut with a non-metallic insert that generates prevailing torque on the mating thread. The standard establishes requirements for the dimensions, proof load, prevailing torque, and torque-tension performance of applicable inch-series locknuts. These requirements allow the nut to be evaluated both as a load-bearing fastener and as a prevailing-torque locking component.

For specification and purchasing, the main parameters include nominal size, thread series, nut dimensions, material, locknut grade, proof-load requirements, and surface finish. The nylon insert provides the locking function, while the mechanical grade determines the applicable load-related requirements of the nut. Therefore, grade selection should be based on the requirements of the fastening assembly rather than assuming that a higher grade necessarily provides a higher prevailing torque.

Dimension Chart of ASME/ANSI B18.16.6 Nylon Insert Locknuts:

The dimension chart of ASME/ANSI B18.16.6 Nylon Insert Locknuts provides detailed information on the standard sizes, thread specifications, width across flats, thickness, and nylon insert dimensions. These dimensional requirements ensure that the locknuts maintain proper compatibility with corresponding bolts and screws, while the nylon insert delivers reliable prevailing torque performance to prevent loosening caused by vibration or dynamic loads.