Castle Nuts are available in steel with a zinc finish. Featuring a cylindrical top with slots cut into it, castle nuts allow for the insertion of a cotter pin to secure the nut in place. Used with cotter pins to prevent loosening, a castellated nut, also called a castle or slotted nut, is a not with slots cut into the top. Used in low-torque applications such as holding a wheel bearing in place.
Dimensional Standards : | DIN 935 |
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Additional Sizes : | M16, M20, M30 |
A2 Stainless Steel : | M6, M8, M10, M12, M14, M16, M18, M20, M22, M24, M27, M30 |
Castle Nut DIN 937 Low Steel / Coarse Thread, Low Height : | Castle nuts are considered a positive locking device when secured to a fastener using a cotter (split) pin. A low profile style allows installation in space restricted areas. They ensure that a fastener does not loosen from vibrations. |
Castle nuts are used in conjunction with a cotter pin to prevent loosening in applications that involve consistent movement or vibration. This nut has slots, or notches, cut into one end. The name comes from the nut's resemblance to the parapets of a castle.
Castle nuts are installed much like any other hex nut, being fastened to a bolt or axle. The installation differs in that the bolt or axle has one or two holes drilled through its threaded end. If the castle nut's slot isn't aligned with the bolt or axle's hole, the nut is rotated to the nearest slot. The nut is then secured with a cotter pin or safety wire to the bolt or axle. This cotter pin is then bent to secure the castle nut to the bolt. This completes the locking action and should prevent loosening or even over-tightening. Although castle nuts are a reliable locking device, they can be readily removed and in some instances reused. Any cotter pins or safety wire should be replaced after each use.
Considering that fine-tuning the torque during the application of castle nuts is not possible, castellated nuts are best used in low-torque applications, such as holding a wheel bearing in place. Furthermore, these types of nuts are not suited for applications that require a specific preload.