A slotted nut (also known as a castle nut or split nut) is a type of mechanical fastener with multiple slots on its top. It is typically used in conjunction with a cotter pin to prevent the nut from loosening due to vibration or rotation.

Key Features:

1. Slot design: The nut's top has several evenly spaced slots to allow the insertion of a cotter pin to lock the nut in place.

2. Application scenarios: Commonly used in situations where anti-loosening is critical, such as in automobiles, machinery, and other components that require secure fastening over long periods.

3. Material: Slotted nuts are often made from materials like carbon steel, stainless steel, or brass, depending on the specific application requirements.

Working Principle:

A slotted nut works by threading a cotter pin through the hole of a bolt and aligning it with the slots of the nut, thus securing the nut and preventing it from loosening due to mechanical vibrations.

It is typically used with hex-head bolts or bolts with holes and is suitable for fastening devices that require high reliability.

When using slotted nuts, the following precautions should be observed:

1. Matching bolt: Ensure that the bolt used has a hole, allowing the cotter pin to be inserted. The bolt hole should align with the nut slots to ensure the cotter pin can be fully inserted.

2. Proper installation: After tightening the slotted nut to the correct position, a cotter pin must be inserted, and both ends of the pin should be bent to prevent it from slipping out.

3. Regular inspection: Although slotted nuts provide anti-loosening functionality, they should still be regularly inspected in high-vibration or heavy-load applications to ensure neither the nut nor the cotter pin has loosened or worn out.

4. Choosing the right material: Select the material of the slotted nut based on the working environment. For example, stainless steel slotted nuts should be used in humid or corrosive environments to prevent rusting.

5. Torque requirements: When tightening a slotted nut, follow the specified torque values to avoid overtightening or under-tightening, which could affect the fastening performance.

6. Environmental factors: Extreme conditions such as high temperatures or freezing environments may affect the performance of the slotted nut and cotter pin. In such cases, choose suitable materials or conduct regular maintenance.

These precautions will help ensure the safety and effectiveness of using slotted nuts for fastening.

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