What is the function of a lock washer in equipment installation?

The function of a lock washer in equipment installation is primarily to prevent loosening of the nut. Lock washers are designed to grip the surfaces of the nut and the material it is being fastened to, creating friction that resists the forces that might cause a fastened joint to loosen over time. This is particularly important in environments where vibrations or thermal expansion and contraction could cause a traditional nut and bolt assembly to loosen, such as in telecom tower installations.

In contrast, while enhancing aesthetic appearance might be a goal for some hardware, it is not a function of lock washers specifically; their primary role is practical rather than decorative. Providing insulation is not applicable either, as lock washers are not designed to provide electrical insulation or thermal insulation. Regarding weight stability, lock washers do not increase the weight of the assembly significantly nor serve to provide stability in that context; their role is solely to maintain the tightness of the joint between the nut and the surface it is fastening.