Castle
A castle nut, also known as a slotted nut, is a type of fastener that is designed to secure threaded components such as bolts or studs in place while allowing for the insertion of a cotter pin or a locking mechanism. Castle nuts are commonly used in situations where a secure connection is required, but the nut also needs to be easily removable or adjustable.
Castle nuts are commonly used in applications that require both secure fastening and the ability to add a locking mechanism. Some examples of where castle nuts might be used include:
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Automotive: Castle nuts are often used in automotive applications, such as securing ball joints, tie rod ends, and other suspension components.
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Industrial Machinery: They can be found in industrial machinery to secure rotating parts, linkages, and other connections.
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Aerospace: Castle nuts are used in aerospace applications for securing components that need to withstand high levels of stress and vibration.
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Outdoor Equipment: They may be used in outdoor equipment, such as lawn mowers, tractors, and trailers.
The use of a cotter pin or similar locking device with a castle nut helps provide an additional layer of safety by preventing the nut from loosening even if it starts to rotate. This makes castle nuts suitable for applications where maintaining a secure connection is critical for safety and functionality.