The Lockdown

When working on your equipment, always check your stock of fasteners before beginning a project. Not much is as frustrating as finding no replacement hardware to finish a repair.

Check the parts book for the sizes of hardware needed and have it on hand so your repair or rebuild will be complete.

Some hardware can be reused if still in good condition and some should have new fasteners installed every time it is reassembled.

Examples of reusable hardware are: bolts, flat washers, and nuts.

Some locking hardware can be reused a few times. Nylon filled nuts will gradually loose the gripping power of the insert and might only be useable 2-3 times. Split lock washers can be used a couple of time if there is still a definable split in the washer. (See photo)

Internal and external toothed lock washers should be replaced after 1 use, as the teeth are designed to flatten just once.

“X” washers are dependent on the application, but in general should be replace after 1 use if possible.

Most push on fasteners are designed to be used once and are usually are misshapen or destroyed during removal.

In an emergency repair, the reuse of hardware may be the only option. Replace it when time and inventory allow.