Texas CNG(Compressed Natural Gas) Driver Practice

How often can self-locking nuts be reused after being removed?

1. Unlimited times

2. Once

3. Never

4. Only if they look undamaged

The correct answer is: Never

Self-locking nuts have a specific function designed to prevent them from loosening under vibrational stress. When such a nut is threaded onto a bolt and then removed, the locking mechanism may be compromised, which reduces its effectiveness for subsequent uses. In many cases, self-locking nuts are made with materials that can deform slightly during installation, and when they are removed, their ability to maintain a secure hold is diminished. This is particularly important in applications where safety is paramount, such as in vehicles or critical machinery components, where a failed fastening could result in accidents or equipment failure. While there might be some situations or specific styles of self-locking nuts where visual inspections are allowed to determine if further use is acceptable, the general guideline and best practice in many industries is that once they have been removed, they should not be reused. This promotes reliability and safety, ensuring that all components function as intended without the risk of them coming loose over time.