Flange Nuts vs. Nyloc Nuts
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
The Flange Nut (standardized under DIN 6923 and ISO 4161) is a hexagonal nut featuring an integrated wide, circular washer-like flange base. Available in smooth and serrated locking variants, it distributes clamping pressure over a larger surface area and eliminates the need for separate flat washers in high-speed automotive and industrial assembly.
The Nyloc Nut (Nylon-Insert Lock Nut / Prevailing Torque Nut, standardized under ISO 7040 and DIN 985) incorporates a non-threaded polymer nylon ring permanently captured in an upper crown collar. When threaded onto a bolt, the nylon insert deforms elastically around the bolt threads, generating high frictional prevailing torque that prevents vibrational back-off.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standard Specifications
|
DIN 6923 / ISO 4161 / ASME B18.16.4 | ISO 7040 (Standard height) / ISO 10511 (Low profile) / DIN 985 / ASME B18.16.6 |
|
Primary Applications
|
Automotive exhaust and chassis, bicycle axle nuts, solar panel racking, sheet metal framing | Automotive suspension, aircraft, lawnmowers, go-karts, robotic actuators |
|
Flange Diameter Ratio
|
Flange Base Diameter ≈ 2.0× to 2.2× Thread Diameter | — |
|
Bearing Surface Variants
|
Smooth Flange (load spreading) or Serrated Flange (mechanical anti-backoff teeth) | — |
|
Serration Angle
|
Angled teeth that allow clockwise tightening but bite into metal during counter-clockwise loosening | — |
|
Property Classes
|
Class 8, Class 10 (ISO 898-2) / Grade 5, Grade 8 (Imperial) | — |
|
Locking Mechanism
|
— | Radial elastic compression of unthreaded polyamide nylon collar |
|
Operating Temperature Range
|
— | -50°C to +120°C (-58°F to +248°F) |
|
Prevailing Torque Behavior
|
— | Maintains locking friction even without axial bolt preload (free-spinning torque) |
|
Reusability Guidelines
|
— | Reusable 2 to 3 times before nylon wear reduces prevailing torque below safety limits |