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K-Lock Nuts

Stainless Steel K-Lock Nuts with Captive Washers for Industrial Fastening

VALTOR supplies stainless steel K-Lock nuts, also known as K nuts or Keps nuts, with captive external-tooth lock washers for machinery, electrical equipment, sheet metal components and vibration-resistant industrial fastening.

Product
K-Lock Nuts
Standard
Keps / Captive Washer Design
Material
304 / 316 Stainless Steel / Carbon Steel
Thread
Metric / Other Thread Specifications Available
Type
Hex Nut With Captive External Tooth Lock Washer
Profile
Captive External-Tooth Lock Washer
Size
Standard / Custom Sizes
Application
Industrial Fastening / Equipment Assembly / Sheet Metal Components
Customization
Drawing / Sample Based Production Available

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Product Overview

K-Lock nuts combine a hex nut body with a permanently retained external-tooth lock washer. The washer remains attached to the nut during handling and installation, reducing loose parts and simplifying assembly.

When tightened, the rounded external teeth contact the mating surface and increase friction to resist loosening caused by vibration. The integrated design is suitable for machinery, electrical equipment, sheet metal assemblies and general industrial fastening.

VALTOR supplies 304 and 316 stainless steel K-Lock nuts, with carbon steel and customized sizes also available according to drawings, samples and project requirements.

Technical Specifications

Product
K-Lock Nuts
Alternative Name
K Nuts / Keps Nuts / Captive Washer Nuts / External Tooth Lock Washer Nuts
Standard
Keps / Captive Washer Design / Other Specifications on Request
Material
304 Stainless Steel / 316 Stainless Steel / Carbon Steel
Thread
Metric Thread / Other Thread Types on Request
Type
Hex Nut With Captive External Tooth Lock Washer
Size
Standard Sizes / Custom Sizes Available
Finish
Natural / Passivated / Zinc Plated / Black Oxide
Application
Industrial Fastening / Equipment Assembly / Sheet Metal Components
Customization
Drawing / Sample Based Production Available

Captive External-Tooth Washer Locking Mechanism

K-Lock nuts combine an internally threaded hex nut with a mechanically retained external-tooth lock washer supplied and handled as one assembled fastening component.

Integrated Nut + Washer Construction
The external-tooth washer remains captive with the nut rather than being supplied as a separate loose component.
Captive Washer Function
Handling one assembly instead of positioning a separate nut and washer can improve installation speed, component handling, washer retention and process consistency.
External-Tooth Locking Action
When tightened against a suitable mating surface, perimeter teeth create localized contact and resistance to rotational movement, helping resist loosening without guaranteeing that it can never occur.
Surface Interaction
The teeth may mark or bite into the contact surface. Selection should consider surface hardness, finish, coating, appearance and vibration; another solution may be preferable where surface protection is critical.
Retention vs Locking
Captive retention keeps the washer attached before and during installation. Actual locking action comes from tooth interaction with the mating surface after tightening.
Thread Matching
Confirm thread diameter, pitch, system, material, mechanical requirement and finish for the mating bolt or stud.

Material, Washer & Finish Options

Nut-body material, washer spring characteristics, tooth geometry and finish should be selected for the complete joint.

1Stainless Steel Options — 304 and 316 versions may be supplied for suitable corrosion-resistant applications while maintaining the existing stainless-steel product positioning.
2Carbon Steel Options — Available where appropriate mechanical properties and surface protection are required.
3Washer Material — The captive washer requires suitable spring behavior; its material or heat treatment may differ from the nut body and should not automatically be assumed identical.
4External-Tooth Washer Geometry — Product selection can consider tooth profile, outside diameter, captive connection, thickness and tooth formation without assuming unverified dimensions.
5Finish & Mating Surface — Coating and finish influence friction, tooth engagement, surface marking and corrosion behavior.
Relevant Finish Options
Natural Stainless SteelPassivated Stainless SteelZinc Plated Carbon SteelOther Suitable Industrial Finishes

Not every finish applies to every material; selection should consider the complete joint.

Locking Quality & Inspection

Inspection covers the thread, captive-washer retention, tooth formation, alignment, dimensions, functional assembly and surface condition.

Thread Inspection
Captive Washer Retention
Tooth Formation Inspection
Nut & Washer Alignment
Functional Check

Thread diameter, pitch, quality and mating fit are verified. The washer is checked for secure retention, intended movement and correct position. Tooth checks cover completeness, consistency, damage, deformation, burrs and overall condition. Alignment between the nut, washer, thread axis and contact surface supports correct seating. Dimensional checks may cover thread size, nut height, width across flats, washer diameter and assembly height. Where required, functional testing uses an appropriate mating bolt and surface without invented loosening torque, vibration ratings, locking cycles or universal performance values. Available documentation may include a Material Certificate / MTC, raw material report, dimensional report, assembly inspection record or third-party support.

Assembly Supply, Packaging & Ordering

Matching Fastener Supply
Hex BoltsMachine ScrewsStudsThreaded Rods

Thread and material compatibility are confirmed for the final assembly.

Assembly Advantage

The captive washer reduces loose components handled during machinery, electrical equipment, sheet-metal, maintenance and OEM-line assembly without claiming a universal labor-saving percentage.

Information Required for Quotation

Provide thread size and pitch, nut material, washer or locking type, finish, quantity, mating fastener, environment, packaging and inspection or documentation requirements.

OEM / Special Requirements

Drawing, sample, thread, washer geometry, material, finish and customer packaging requirements can be reviewed. Geometry differing from the existing specification is identified as custom.

Export Packaging
Inner BagsSmall BoxesExport CartonsWooden PalletsBulk Packing

Packing should reduce washer deformation, tooth damage, separation, thread contamination and surface damage.

Customer Packaging

Customer labels, part numbers, carton markings, packing quantities and customer-authorized private-label packaging can be supported.

Delivery Basis

Delivery depends on thread, material, washer configuration, finish, quantity, custom and inspection requirements, and current production availability.

Applications

Integrated locking nuts for machinery, equipment and vibration-resistant industrial assemblies.

Stainless steel K-Lock nut installed on industrial equipment with its captive external-tooth washer contacting the mounting surface
01

Machinery Assembly

Combines the nut and lock washer into one retained component for machinery frames and mechanical assemblies.

02

Electrical Equipment

Provides vibration-resistant fastening for electrical enclosures, control panels and equipment assemblies.

03

Sheet Metal Components

Creates secure threaded connections in fabricated sheet metal components while reducing loose assembly parts.

04

Industrial Equipment

Helps resist loosening in industrial equipment exposed to movement and vibration.

05

General Mechanical Fastening

Suitable for general mechanical fastening where an integrated captive locking washer improves assembly efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are K-Lock nuts?

K-Lock nuts are hex nuts with captive external-tooth lock washers that remain attached during handling and installation.

What is the difference between K-Lock nuts and standard hex nuts?

K-Lock nuts include an integrated locking washer, while standard hex nuts require a separate washer when additional resistance to loosening is needed.

Are stainless steel K-Lock nuts available?

Yes. VALTOR supplies 304 and 316 stainless steel K-Lock nuts for applications requiring corrosion resistance and long-term durability.

Can K-Lock nuts be supplied in custom sizes?

Yes. Metric threads, standard sizes and custom specifications can be supplied according to drawings, samples or project requirements.

How are K-Lock nuts packaged for export?

K-Lock nuts can be packed in bags, cartons, boxes or customized export packaging according to quantity and customer requirements.

Need Keps / Captive Washer Design K-Lock Nuts?

Share the required material, thread size, quantity, packaging and documentation requirements with VALTOR.

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