Fastener failure can lead to serious safety risks, which is why self-locking nuts are widely adopted in critical assemblies. These nuts are specifically designed to maintain tightness over time.

Nylon insert lock nuts are among the most recognizable designs. Their nylon ring creates friction with the bolt threads, reducing the risk of loosening. They are best suited for moderate temperatures and controlled environments.

For demanding conditions, all-metal lock nuts are preferred. These nuts rely on deformed threads to generate locking force and are unaffected by heat or chemicals. They are frequently used in aerospace and heavy-duty machinery.

Prevailing torque nuts stand out because they resist rotation before clamping force is applied. This makes them reliable even if joint preload decreases slightly during operation.

Top lock nuts and side lock nuts are both forms of all-metal self-locking nuts. The choice between them often depends on assembly method and torque requirements.

Distorted thread nuts offer a purely mechanical locking solution that performs well under continuous vibration. Their design ensures long-term stability without additional locking devices.