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What’s The Debate About Nylock Nuts On Excavator Teeth
On heavy‑equipment forums, operators often debate whether nylon‑insert locknuts (Nylock nuts) are appropriate for securing bucket teeth—especially when digging in rock. The core concern is that Nylock nuts depend on a nylon ring for locking. That ring can degrade under vibration and heat, and may not hold up to the shock loads and temperature extremes common in heavy excavation. Some users argue it's safer to use more robust locking solutions.
Why Nylock Nuts Are Popular
Nylock nuts feature a nylon (or plastic) insert that creates "prevailing torque"—meaning, as the nut is tightened, the bolt threads cut slightly into the nylon, producing resistance that helps prevent loosening. They're widely used where vibration is an issue because of that self‑locking feature. On bucket teeth, vibration is definitely a major factor, which is probably why some people tried Nylock nuts in the first place.
Limitations And Failure Points In Heavy-Duty Use
Despite their advantages, Nylock nuts come with serious trade‑offs in rock or very abrasive applications:
Many veteran operators recommend using stronger locking systems:
One user described working in rock trenching hours on end. They noted extreme rubbing of the bucket inside the trench, producing noise and heat. In that scenario, Nylock nuts were questioned because of the risk of lock‑loss under constant vibration and thermal stress.
Another seasoned mechanic remarked that in their experience:
Given the pros and cons, here’s a balanced view:
Here are some quality Nylock nuts you can buy for general use (not necessarily GET‑rated):
Nylock nuts might seem convenient for bucket teeth on excavators, but they’re not always the best tool for the job—especially in high-impact, high-vibration rock work. For durability and safety, consider more robust locking systems, maintain torque carefully, and inspect regularly. Proper hardware + good maintenance = fewer lost teeth and more uptime.
On heavy‑equipment forums, operators often debate whether nylon‑insert locknuts (Nylock nuts) are appropriate for securing bucket teeth—especially when digging in rock. The core concern is that Nylock nuts depend on a nylon ring for locking. That ring can degrade under vibration and heat, and may not hold up to the shock loads and temperature extremes common in heavy excavation. Some users argue it's safer to use more robust locking solutions.
Why Nylock Nuts Are Popular
Nylock nuts feature a nylon (or plastic) insert that creates "prevailing torque"—meaning, as the nut is tightened, the bolt threads cut slightly into the nylon, producing resistance that helps prevent loosening. They're widely used where vibration is an issue because of that self‑locking feature. On bucket teeth, vibration is definitely a major factor, which is probably why some people tried Nylock nuts in the first place.
Limitations And Failure Points In Heavy-Duty Use
Despite their advantages, Nylock nuts come with serious trade‑offs in rock or very abrasive applications:
- Temperature Sensitivity
Nylon loses its locking strength at elevated temperatures. One user noted that Nylock nuts retain their locking ability only up to about 250 °F (~121 °C). In rock digging, especially when the bucket is rubbing or grinding inside a tight trench, component surfaces may reach high temperatures (though 120 °C is likely only in very extreme or sustained conditions).
- Strength Grade
According to seasoned mechanics, typical Nylock nuts used in GET (Ground Engaging Tools) hardware are often only equivalent to Grade 5 hardware. Grade 5 means moderate strength, but in high-impact or high-side-load scenarios, they may deform or fail.
- Vibration and Impact
When heavy side or impact loads hit a bucket tooth hard, a Nylock nut’s nylon insert may compress, tear, or degrade over time, particularly if the bolt is repeatedly stressed. If the fastener loosens, you risk losing a tooth.
Many veteran operators recommend using stronger locking systems:
- Grade-8 Locking Nuts or Stover Nuts
These nuts are made of higher-strength steel and handle better under shock loads. As one mechanic put it, “use grade 8 crown locks … that’ll last a lot longer than Nylocks under impact.”
- All‑Metal Lock Nuts or Lock Washers
Some prefer prevailing torque nuts that rely on all-metal deformation, or use lock washers, rather than nylon, for more durability in rugged environments.
- Proper Torque and Maintenance
Even with the right nut, the rest of the fastening system has to be in top shape:- Clean mating surfaces—dirt, rust, or paint can prevent a proper torque.
- Re‑torque bolts after initial use. Many pros recommend "work it a little and re‑torque."
- Inspect regularly — check for side cutters or edge misalignment, which can put undue stress on the fasteners.
- Clean mating surfaces—dirt, rust, or paint can prevent a proper torque.
One user described working in rock trenching hours on end. They noted extreme rubbing of the bucket inside the trench, producing noise and heat. In that scenario, Nylock nuts were questioned because of the risk of lock‑loss under constant vibration and thermal stress.
Another seasoned mechanic remarked that in their experience:
- Loose nuts usually result from improper torque, worn or mismatched GET parts, or badly prepared mating surfaces—not necessarily from wrong nut style.
- Cleanup of rust, dirt, and wash‑out is critical before applying locking hardware.
Given the pros and cons, here’s a balanced view:
- If you’re working in rock or high-impact excavation, avoid Nylock nuts for securing teeth. Use higher-strength locknuts or locking systems designed for shock and vibration.
- If you choose to use Nylock nuts, make sure mating surfaces are clean, torque them correctly, and inspect often.
- Always keep spare locking hardware on hand—retightening or replacing fasteners during preventive maintenance is far safer than losing a bucket tooth on a job.
- For very high‑risk applications, consider advanced locking solutions from specialist fastener suppliers designed for mining or heavy industrial use.
Here are some quality Nylock nuts you can buy for general use (not necessarily GET‑rated):
- 3/8-16 Nylock Nut (Backhoe Bucket) – commonly used in smaller bucket assemblies
- 150‑Piece Zinc Nylock Nut Assortment – good for shops with multiple sizes
- Steel‑Core Nylock Nut Assortment – stronger construction for heavier use
Nylock nuts might seem convenient for bucket teeth on excavators, but they’re not always the best tool for the job—especially in high-impact, high-vibration rock work. For durability and safety, consider more robust locking systems, maintain torque carefully, and inspect regularly. Proper hardware + good maintenance = fewer lost teeth and more uptime.
