Keps Nuts Grade 5 with External Tooth Washer ANSI B18.16.4 Standard
Manufacturing standard：ISO, GB, JIS, DIN, BS and ANSI standards, or drawings provided by customers.
Materials： iron, carbon steel, alloy steel, copper, stainless steel, plastics, high-temperature alloy, copper alloy, nickel-base alloy, high-strength alloy, corrosion-resistant alloy, etc.
Process： cold heading, punching, turning, milling, wire cutting, etc.
Treatment/Finishing: Brushing、Anodizing、Zinc Plated、Nickel Plated、Sn Plated.
Requirements： No Burrs、Scratches、Dents、Pits
Application： Structural Steel; Metal Building; Oil&Gas; Tower&Pole; Wind Energy; Mechanical Machine; Automobile: Home Decorating
Packing：bulk in cartons (25kg Max.)+wood Pallet or according to customer special demand
Keps nuts, also known as K-lock nuts or washer nuts, are an essential fastening component widely used in high-speed assembly operations across industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics sectors. These nuts integrate a free-spinning, serrated lock washer—typically external-tooth—permanently attached to the nut body, eliminating the need for separate washers and improving overall fastening efficiency.
From an engineering perspective, Keps nuts conform to ANSI B18.16.4 or equivalent standards, ensuring dimensional consistency and compatibility with unified thread systems. The most common sizes include #6-32, #8-32, 1/4″-20, and 5/16″-18, with thread types available in both UNC (coarse) and UNF (fine) formats. This range supports a variety of applications from sheet metal fabrication to light machinery assembly.
Material selection plays a critical role in determining Keps nut performance. The most commonly used substrate is low carbon steel, offering a balance between cost-efficiency and structural integrity. For more demanding environments, manufacturers also offer Grade 5 or stainless steel variants (A2-70), which provide increased tensile strength and corrosion resistance. Zinc plating and clear or yellow chromate coatings further enhance surface protection, especially in environments exposed to moisture or mild chemicals.
One of the key benefits of Keps nuts is their built-in locking capability. The attached external tooth washer exerts consistent back pressure on the mating surface, creating resistance to vibration and loosening without the need for liquid threadlockers or secondary locking devices. This makes them ideal for dynamic assemblies such as electric motors, circuit enclosures, HVAC systems, and automotive interiors.
Moreover, Keps nuts significantly reduce assembly time in high-volume production lines. Their pre-assembled design ensures fewer components and quicker installation, improving throughput and lowering labor costs. Because the washer remains affixed to the nut, there’s also a reduced risk of washer loss during handling or shipping—an important factor in lean manufacturing environments.
