1/4-20 SS Kep Locknut

Description

1/4-20 SS 18-8 Kep Locknut is a high-quality, durable fastener that offers greater corrosion resistance than zinc alternatives, often used in moisture-exposed, exterior, or corrosive environments where vibration resistance and simplified installation are also required.

Kep locknuts, also called a “kep nut,” have a six-sided nut body with a free-spinning, serrated K-washer permanently attached to the bearing face, designed to lock against the mating surface and resist loosening from vibration. Their six-sided body allows for easy tightening with standard wrenches and sockets, and the stainless steel construction provides reliable performance in demanding environments while maintaining a clean, polished appearance.

Stainless Steel (SS) 18-8

• Stainless Steel 18-8 kep locknuts have a higher corrosion resistance than zinc alternatives
• These are often used around chemicals or saltwater, and in applications requiring a clean, polished appearance with long-term durability

1/4-20 SS Kep Locknut Features

• Integrated serrated K-washer permanently attached to the bearing face bites into the mating surface under clamp load, resisting loosening from vibration and dynamic stress
• Free-spinning washer design allows the K-washer to rotate independently during installation, preventing surface scratching before final tightening
• Corrosion and scratch resistant, durable when submerged in water or exposed to mild chemicals

Common Uses

• Marine construction, docks, and waterfront structures where vibration resistance and corrosion protection are both required
• Coastal and chemical-exposure environments including outdoor electrical enclosures, equipment panels, and water treatment facilities
• Exterior mechanical assemblies requiring a clean, polished finish alongside reliable vibration resistance and long-term corrosion protection

Application

• Thread onto a compatible bolt or threaded rod by hand until the K-washer face contacts the mating surface, then tighten with a wrench or socket sized to the hex body
• Ensure the K-washer face sits flush and fully contacts the mating surface before final tightening to activate the serrated locking action
• No separate washer is required in most applications — the integrated K-washer provides both the bearing and locking surface

Tips

• Always verify that the bolt or threaded rod shares the same thread diameter and pitch as the kep locknut before assembly
• Kep locknuts are measured by their thread diameter and pitch, matching the bolt or threaded rod they are paired with
• Use stainless steel bolts and hardware throughout the assembly to avoid galvanic corrosion when pairing with SS 18-8 components