Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 4, 2026

Positive locking device

A positive locking device is a device used in conjunction with a fastener in order to positively lock the fastener. This means that the fastener cannot work loose from vibrations. The following is a list of positive locking devices:A split beam nut A castellated nut and a split pin A hex nut or cap screw and a tab washer A hex nut or cap screw and a lock plate Safety wiring with various types of fasteners7-122. GENERAL. The word safetying is a term universally used in the aircraft industry. Briefly, safetying is defined as: "Securing by various means any nut, bolt, turnbuckle etc., on the aircraft so that vibration will not cause it to loosen during operation." These practices are not a means of obtaining or maintaining torque, rather a safety device to prevent the disengagement of screws, nuts, bolts, snap rings, oil caps, drain cocks, valves, and parts. Three basic methods are used in safetying; safety-wire, cotter pins, and self-locking nuts. Retainer washers and pal nuts are also sometimes used.7-124d. Safety wire must be installed in a manner that will prevent the tendency of the part to loosen.

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A wheel hub with a castellated nut secured in the center using a cotter pin to prevent it from unscrewing source ↗

A positive locking device is a device used in conjunction with a fastener in order to positively lock the fastener. This means that the fastener cannot work loose from vibrations. The following is a list of positive locking devices:1

7-122. GENERAL. The word safetying is a term universally used in the aircraft industry. Briefly, safetying is defined as: "Securing by various means any nut, bolt, turnbuckle etc., on the aircraft so that vibration will not cause it to loosen during operation." These practices are not a means of obtaining or maintaining torque, rather a safety device to prevent the disengagement of screws, nuts, bolts, snap rings, oil caps, drain cocks, valves, and parts. Three basic methods are used in safetying; safety-wire, cotter pins, and self-locking nuts. Retainer washers and pal nuts are also sometimes used.2

7-124d. Safety wire must be installed in a manner that will prevent the tendency of the part to loosen.3

References

References

  1. Timings, Roger Leslie (2005), Newnes Mechanical Engineer's Pocket Book (3rd. ed.), Newnes, ISBN 978-0-7506-6508-7
  2. AC43.13 1998, p. 7–19.
  3. AC43.13 1998, p. 7–21.