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Internal vs External tooth star type lock washers ....

Crazy Horse

Crazy Horse

Well-known Member
I've always wondered why some of the star-type lock washers have the gripping teeth on the outside circumference of the washer (facing outwards) while others have the gripping teeth on the inside circumference of the hole (facing inwards). I'm sure some of the YT crowd here could give their own reasons why. Here is a link to a website that explains it, just scroll down a bit till you get to those types of washers. Does their explanation make sense to you or does it line up with your own thoughts as to why there are two types?
Two types of star washers .....
 
Well...ok. I agree with billy and prefer the outer type. Work much better. By the way. If you own a Gravely early crossed blade 30 inch mower they have left hand locking nuts that hold the blade. ALSO a left hand split washer. Regular washer will NOT tighten. Try finding left hand washers. Parts guy will look at you as if you are nuts.
 
In my experience the external are better, But I only use them for electrical connectivity, never to prevent turning. I believe lock washers are worthless. Use locktite to prevent loosening. I have seen 30 plus split washers that have cracked and fell out, causing real looseness. The star washers prevent accurate torquing. Jim
 
Internal star washers are preferred for fasteners that provide electrical grounds, especially in electronic systems.

External star washers are more readily available and are more commonly used in most applications.

Dean
 
(quoted from post at 11:28:24 09/06/18) Internal star washers are preferred for fasteners that provide electrical grounds, especially in electronic systems.Dean
Click to expand...

The injun ears at GM must not have gotten that memo, as they typically used an EXTERNAL tooth lockwasher where grounds bolted to the frame or body.
 
My experience is that the military (at least the Army) used those star type washers more than any other industry. Why, I don't have a clue.
 
A star washer of any sort should not be used in-between electrical connectors.

Speaking of lockwashers.............how many times do you see a lockwasher on top of a flatwasher???
 
(quoted from post at 17:26:57 09/06/18) My experience is that the military (at least the Army) used those star type washers more than any other industry. Why, I don't have a clue.
Click to expand...

One reason is that spring-lock type washers can break and piece(s) fly or fall out. When they do, the connection may loosen and the piece(s) of washer can go places that can cause expensive damage.
 
(quoted from post at 13:04:38 09/06/18) In my experience the external are better, [b:ed67bc0d40][u:ed67bc0d40]But I only use them for electrical connectivity,[/u:ed67bc0d40][/b:ed67bc0d40] never to prevent turning. I believe lock washers are worthless. Use locktite to prevent loosening. I have seen 30 plus split washers that have cracked and fell out, causing real looseness. The star washers prevent accurate torquing. Jim
Click to expand...

That may be okay for low voltage/low amperage connections.
But not for high voltage/amperage connections.
The star washer actually reduces the amount of intimate contact at the joint thus increasing resistance.
 
We use to use a lot of what were reffered to as "high collar" lock washers. They were typically thicker and a smaller outside diameter than a regular split type lock washer. They were mostly used on socket head cap screws. (Allen head bolts)
 
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