Pistol grip star lock washer direction

[Androctonus]

Is there a direction the pistol grip star lock washer is supposed to face? It has a rougher side and a smoother side. Is the rougher side supposed to face against the screw or the polymer of the grip? It seems like the rougher side against the screw would be better.

[monkeywrench]

It doesn't matter. As long as the teeth grip both sides.

[26 Inf]

I really don't think it makes much difference in the overall scheme of things, but if I had to make a policy on which way the rough side faced, one of my considerations would be what am I trying to stop form turning (loosening) in this case, the bolt, so if I had to make a policy for grip screws it would be sharp edges toward the bolt.

Again, I don't think it matters much in this application.

[Androctonus]

Thanks guys. I too thought it made more sense to put the sharp side against the bolt.

[wanderson]

That’s how I do it, teeth facing bolt.
No idea if it makes a difference but if it does, logically it seems this is how it should work.

[CMV]

You don't stake it? Friggin' hobbyists.....

I agree with "probably does not matter in the least"...but do toward the fastener too. At work we use lots and lots of fasteners and all have a range of torque values, specific installation positions/directions, stack-up sequences, etc. Of all that, basic star washers have none of that - they go in between other fasteners but direction irrelevant. So my toward the fastener head preference is only because it is slightly convex if it only "has teeth on one side" so install it like a belleville washer.

[mrbieler]

The teeth should be against the bolt preventing it from loosening. Smooth side against the pistol grip.

[pinzgauer]

The teeth should be against the bolt preventing it from loosening. Smooth side against the pistol grip.

Though I do the same, exactly is this any better against loosening? The toothier side may turn less, bit the other side will still turn.

From an engineering perspective, you normally use coarser threads/teeth on softer materials. And smaller on harder. (Larger teeth just flatten between metal)

Edited to add, I don't thing it is a critical thing.

[mrbieler]

In this application, I don't believe it's critical either, but the question was asked.

The teeth on the washer are to prevent to prevent rotation/loosening. The grip/grip post are stationary. The bolt turns.

[Androctonus]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Took a closer look at a lock washer. Looks like it would work either way as long as it’s got some pressure on it. But, I put the rougher side against the screw. That way does seem to put more resistance against the screw turning.