Glossary

The NE Series Nylon Insert Lock Nut — also referred to as a Nylok™ Nut, Stop Nut, Plastic Insert Lock Nut, Regular Series Nylon Lock Nut, Non-Metallic Insert Nut, Polyamide Lock Nut, or Nylon Insert Hex Nut — is a nut with many identities but designed with one purpose. The Nylon Insert Hex Nut is a top-lock style with an elastic nylon ring.

Nitrile O-rings (also known as Buna-N O-rings) are elastomeric sealing rings made from nitrile rubber, a synthetic rubber copolymer of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. They are among the most common and cost-effective types of O-rings used for general-purpose sealing in industrial, automotive, and aerospace applications.

A NM Nylon Insert Lock Nut (often just called a nylon lock nut) is a type of self-locking nut that uses a nylon insert to prevent the nut from loosening due to vibration or torque.

The stated or designated length of a fastener, used for identification and ordering. It represents the approximate or reference length rather than an exact, precise measurement (which can vary slightly within manufacturing tolerances). For most fasteners, such as hex bolts, it's measured from the underside of the head to the tip. However, for countersunk or flat heads, it's measured from the top of the head to the tip.

An NTE Nylon Insert Lock Nut is a specific type of self-locking hex nut that uses a nylon insert to prevent loosening under vibration or stress. The term “NTE” refers to the nut type and thread engagement, and is commonly found in military, aerospace, and industrial specifications.

An NTM Nylon Insert Lock Nut (also known as a Nylon-insert nut, nyloc nut, or nylon lock nut) is a type of lock nut that features a nylon insert or collar at the top. This insert creates a frictional resistance when threaded onto a bolt or screw, helping to prevent the nut from loosening due to vibration or torque.

An NTU Nylon Insert Lock Nut is a specific type of self-locking hex nut that includes a nylon insert and follows a defined naming convention, typically used in aerospace, defense, and industrial specifications. An NTU Nylon Insert Lock Nut is a thin-pattern, self-locking hex nut with Unified National threads (UNC or UNF) and a nylon insert.

The NU nylon insert lock nut is a full-height, metal hex nut with a non-metallic nylon insert pressed into the top of the nut. It is commonly used in industrial, automotive, and aerospace applications where a secure, vibration-resistant joint is required.

A nut is a type of fastener used in conjunction with a bolt to securely hold materials together in heavy-duty applications such as construction, manufacturing, and machinery. Industrial nuts are designed to withstand high loads, vibrations, and extreme conditions.

A nylon insert is a ring of nylon material embedded into the threads of a fastener, typically a hex nut. As the mating fastener is threaded into place, the nylon insert deforms around the threads, locking the mating fastener in place. This deformation creates a locking action by pressing tightly against the mating fastener’s threads, thereby reducing loosening caused by vibration or movement.

Nylon Insert Hex Flange Nuts — otherwise known as Nylok™ Flange Nuts, Flange Stop Nuts, Plastic Insert Flange Lock Nuts, Non-Metallic Insert Flange Nuts, or Polyamide Flange Lock Nuts — are designed with a built-in washer and nylon insert. As the nut is tightened, the bearing load is spread out over a larger area compared to Nylon Insert Hex Nuts — preventing damage to the clamping material (such as truck frames). The nylon locks the nut in place as it grabs onto the thread. Earnest offers the nuts in inch carbon steel (Grade A or 2) and Grade G (8).

The DIN 982 Nylon Insert Lock Nut — also referred to as a Nylok™ Nut, Stop Nut, Plastic Insert Lock Nut, Regular Series Nylon Lock Nut, Non-Metallic Insert Nut, Polyamide Lock Nut, or Nylon Insert Hex Nut — is a nut with many identities but designed with one purpose. The Nylon Insert Hex Nut is a top-lock style with an elastic nylon ring. This ring grabs onto the thread as it’s fastened — preventing the nut from loosening in vibrating applications. Earnest offers DIN 982 Nylon Insert Lock Nuts in Property Classes 6 and 8.

A Nylon Insert Lock Nut with Nylon Cap is a type of lock nut that combines the secure fastening of a nylon insert lock nut with the protective and aesthetic benefits of a cap made of nylon. This nut is designed to provide a vibration-resistant fastening solution while also protecting the exposed bolt threads and enhancing the overall appearance.

A pre-applied nylon strip on a fastener’s threads that adds friction to prevent loosening from vibration. Also called a non-metallic prevailing torque patch, it’s made by heating nylon to a liquid state and applying it to one side of the threads. As the fastener is tightened, the nylon creates a wedging action between the threads, providing a reusable, non-permanent locking feature. Nylon patches can typically be reused up to five times and perform reliably up to 250°F.