Nut Types

Many types of nuts are used in a vehicle. Study their name closely. A slotted
nut or castle nut, uses a safety device called a cotter pin. The cotter pin fits
through a hole in the bolt or part. This keeps the nut from turning and
possibly coming off. Self-locking nuts produce a friction fit when threaded
onto a bolt or stud. The top of the nut can be crimped inward. Some have a
plastic insert that produces a friction to keep the nut from loosening. Selflocking nuts may need to be replaced after removal. Jam nuts are thin nuts
used to help hold larger, conventional nuts in place. The jam nut is tightened
down against the other nut to prevent loosening.
Wing nuts have two extended arms that allow the nuts to be easily turned by
hand. They are used when a part must be removed frequently for service or
maintenance. Air cleaner housing sometimes use wing nuts. A corn nuts are
closed on one end for appearance and to keep water and debris off the
threads. They can be used when they exposed and looks are important.
Special types of nuts are used to hold parts onto the vehicle. Sometimes a
washer is formed onto the nut. Termed body nuts, the flange on the nut helps
distribute the clamping force of the thin body panel or trim piece to prevent
warpage.

Slotted
Hex plain
Serrated
Cap
Flanged
Spring
Speed nut
Flange-lock unit
Panel
Lock
Wing
Specialty
Palnut
Barrel-prong nut

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