Which way should an internal star lock washer go

boltstools

I want to attach a rear basket to my bicycle and I don't know a thing about nuts/bolts. I got a plastic bag full of nuts, bolts, washers, and what I believe (according to what I could find on the internet) are internal star lock washers.

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Is the configuration on the attached photo correct? First the smooth washer, then the jagged star lock washer, then the covered nut? And, the internal star lock washers are smooth on one side and jagged on the other. Which side should face up towards the bolt head?

Best Answer

The jagged side should be to the bolt nut, not the washer. You're trying to prevent the bolt nut from turning, thus unscrewing. The jagged side will, to a small degree, bite into the metal of the bolt to increase the holding power. (The majority of the holding power is from just the compression of the lock washer.) Turned the other way will work, just not quite as well. (you don't really care about the washer turning.)

Edit: correct my stupid mistake!

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