Spring washers are one of the most common mechanical devices, used to secure threaded fasteners against self-loosening. The way a spring washer works is that it increases the preload by increasing the contact area, compared to the bolt with no locking device used at all. This will slightly improve the number of cycles it will take for the bolt to loosen, but it will not permanently prevent it. The main reason is that the spring washer does not solve the issue of the gap, free space remaining between the threads of the nut and the bolt. Incredibly enough, there is only about 15% efficient metal to metal contact between the threads. Everything else is empty space that enables plenty of side to side movement for the bolt, which is the main reason for its eventual loosening. On top, being metal itself, a spring washer can cause damage to contact faces and can corrode in place.
When instead of a spring washer you use a few drops of LOCTITE 243, or any other one of our liquid threadlockers, all gaps between threads are completely filled and any movement of the bolt within the nut is prevented. Secured that way, it will be completely vibration-proof and stays in place indefinitely. However, the assembly can be easily dismantled using hand-held tools, for repairs, regular maintenance, or any other reasons. Although, you will notice that the assembly opens at roughly 25% more torque than tightening torque. Additionally, liquid threadlockers prevent corrosion due to humidity by sealing the assembly.
One bottle of 50 ml will suffice for about 850 pcs of M10 bolts. And the good news is, whatever the size of your bolts, you do not need to keep a different Loctite threadlocker on stock for it, as you would have to do with different sizes of spring washers.
