Function of Pal Nut

Study of Palnut DIN 7967 bolt securing
system
April 2013
1. Executive summary
1.1 Topic
In this report a bolt securing system comprised of stamped sheet metal counter nuts according
to the standard DIN 7967, most often referred to as Palnut, is studied. The study covers
aspects related to assembly, bolt securing against self-loosening, corrosion resistance and
quality assurance.
1.2 Project methodology and structure

The report will first describe and give a background of the Palnut bolt securing system.
Thereafter the Palnut will be investigated through testing. Tests which are considered relevant
are:
Assembly tests to study the time required to install the products and their dependence
on operator skill level.
Vibration tests to study the products capacity to secure bolted joints against selfloosening and slackening.
Corrosion tests to study the lifetime of the product when exposed to a corrosive
environment.
Finally the quality assurance and certification level will be researched.
1.3 Summary
The study clearly shows that the Palnut bolt securing system has little or no functionality in
preventing self-loosening of bolted joints that are exposed to vibrations. It is also shows that the
DIN 7967 standard was declared invalid in 2003 without any replacement or reference to any
other standard.
2. Table of contents
..................................................................................................................................... 2
1. Executive summary ................................................................................................. 2
1.1 Topic ................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Project methodology and structure ..................................................................... 2
1.3 Summary............................................................................................................. 2
2. Table of contents ...................................................................................................... 3
3. Introduction .............................................................................................................. 4
3.1 Technical background ......................................................................................... 4
3.2 Marketing / Sales background ............................................................................. 4
3.3 Purpose............................................................................................................... 5
4. Technical study........................................................................................................ 6
4.1 Testing ................................................................................................................ 6
4.2 Assembly test ...................................................................................................... 6
4.2.1 Summary assembly test ............................................................................... 7
4.3 Vibration test DIN 65151 ..................................................................................... 8
4.3.1 Vibration Test 1 ............................................................................................ 9
4.3.2 Vibration Test 2 .......................................................................................... 13
4.3.3 Vibration Test 3 .......................................................................................... 17
4.3.4 Vibration Test 4 .......................................................................................... 21
4.3.5 Summary vibration tests ............................................................................. 24
4.4 Corrosion test ISO 9227.................................................................................... 25
Appendix 1 .......................................................................................................... 26
Appendix 2 .......................................................................................................... 27
3. Introduction
3.1 Technical background

The Palnut is a stamped sheet metal self-locking counter nut (see Picture 1). It is
standardized according to DIN 7967 from 1963, however, this standard was declared as invalid
in 2003 without any replacement or update. The locking principle is that Palnut deform when
tightened and small protrusions jam into the bolt threads. Both assembly and disassembly
procedures of a bolted joint secured by Palnuts are described in DIN 7967. After tightening
the joint, the Palnut is placed on the bolt threads and turned by hand until contact is made
with the preloaded nut. The Palnut is then further tightened between and turn using a
wrench. To disassemble the joint, the preloaded nut must be further tightened to relieve the
Palnut. The Palnut can then be turned in the untightening direction and removed by hand.
The preloaded fasteners are then free to be untightened. Because the Palnut is designed to
lock a nut, the system is only implementable on bolted and stud joints.
Picture 1.
3.2 Marketing / Sales background

Palnut is a registered trademark of the company Trans Technology and is the most common
name but is also known under the names Pahlnut, Pahlmutter, Buddy Lock-Nut and Speed Nut.
Palnut has gained a high popularity in all types of industries and applications due to relatively
low purchase price, high availability and the fact that it has been present on the market for
approximately 50 years and has gained a reputation as an effective bolt securing system. The
perceived added value of Palnut is the fact that only one side of a bolted joint must be
secured as well as the combination of simple visual inspection and replacement. Palnut is
most commonly sold through distribution and is available globally. Wrth, Bossard, Fabory,
Fastenal, Grainger, Emile Maurin are examples of distributors with strong regional and global
networks that sell Palnuts.
Palnuts are available for both Metric and Imperial threads in both coarse and fine thread pitch
in the size range M4-M80. The available surface finishes are electro zinc plated, mechanically
zinc plated, phosphate, hot dip galvanized and stainless steel in corrosion classes A2/A4. Note
that the carbon steel Palnuts are not made of spring steel.
Because Palnut is not only a brand but also specified according to a DIN standard there are
many manufacturers who subsequently supply numerous sales channels. Approximately 50
different manufacturers of Palnut can be identified. Since the competition to sell Palnut is
high the price is often very low. A low purchase price is often the strongest sales argument for
Palnuts and high volume applications are often targeted. For example, an offshore derrick
may consist of well over 100 000 bolted joints that must be secured. Subsequently the bolt
securing system may become a significant part of the total cost of such an application, which
makes Palnuts due to low cost a preferred choice.
3.3 Purpose
Palnut has gained a high recognition based on best practice principles and is mentioned in
some handbooks for safe securing of bolted joints. However, neither tests nor studies that verify
the performance of Palnut are readily available. All that statements available regarding
Palnuts seems to be based the DIN 7967 standard from 1963. However, this DIN standard
was officially declared as invalid in 2003 without a replacement (see Appendix 1). Fasteners
distributors also acknowledge the DIN 7967 standard as invalid without any replacement (see
Appendix 2).
4. Technical study
4.1 Testing
In order to study the Palnuts tests in three 3 different aspects were performed. The
purpose of the testing is to investigate:
1. the assembly procedure
2. the resilience against self-loosening
3. the corrosion resistance
All tests were performed on bolted joints comprised of ISO 4017 M16x2,0-60 and the
corresponding M16x2,0 nuts. Bolts of property class 8.8, 10.9 and stainless steel
A4-80 were investigated. The test included Palnuts of the surface finishes electro
zinc plated, hot dip galvanized, phosphate and stainless steel of corrosion class A4.
4.2 Assembly test

Assembly tests were performed on joints secured by Palnut. The bolt was fixed in a
vice and a simulated bolted joint was assembled according to DIN 7967. The time to
assemble each joint was recorded. The joint assembly was repeated 5 times for the
fastener property classes 8.8, 10.9, 10.9 hot dip galvanized, A4-80.
Table 1. Assembly specification
Palnut
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Fixation of the bolt

Start measuring time
st
Mount 1 plain washer
Mount clamped parts
nd
Mount 2 plain washer
Mount the nut
Tighten the nut with a torque wrench
Mount the Palnut
Hand tighten the Palnut
Further tighten the Palnut - turn
using a wrench
11. Stop measuring time
Picture 2 Assembled joint
Table 1 Test matrix

Tests
1.3
2.3
3.3
4.3
Palnut
Palnut
Palnut
Palnut
Electro zinc plated
Phosphate
Hot dip galvanized
Stainless steel A4
Bolt [grade]
8.8
10.9
10.9
A4-80
Nut [grade]
10
10
A4-80
Steel
Steel
Steel
Stainless steel
Bolt securing
Surface coating
Plain washers
Clamped parts
Steel Domex electro zinc plated
Time [s]
Sample 1
53,0
32,0
35,0
37,0
Sample 2
44,0
34,0
37,0
30,0
Sample 3
42,0
43,0
59,0
26,0
Sample 4
38,0
30,0
34,0
29,0
Sample 5
46,0
31,0
48,0
33,0
Average
44,6
34,0
42,6
31,0
4.2.1 Summary assembly test

The zinc galvanized joints (Test 1.3 and 3.3) were the most difficult and time
consuming to assembly because the Palnuts were difficult to hand tighten due to
high thread friction.
Two tightening tools were required for the tightening of Palnut. One torque wrench to
tighten the hex nut and an open wrench to facilitate tightening of the Palnut.
Additional parts or tools increase the risk of assembly mistakes and comprise a higher
risk of dropped objects. Since the tightening instruction DIN 7967 stipulates further
tightening of the Palnut between to turn the tightening result is also operator
dependent and not consistent, which may affect its locking performance.
4.3 Vibration test DIN 65151

Vibration tests according to DIN 651 51 (Junkers test see Picture 3.) were performed
on bolted joints secured by Palnut. In a Junker test the joint is subjected to
transverse movements while a load cell measures bolt tension continuously. The
purpose of the vibration test is to compare the locking function of 4 different joint
configurations secured by Palnut. All tests include an unsecured joint as reference.
Picture 3. Junker test principle according to DIN 651 51
4.3.1 Vibration Test 1

Vibration conditions
Standard:
Duration:
Amplitude:
Frequency:
DIN 651 51
30 seconds (900 load cycles)
0,9 mm
30 Hz
Bolted joint specifications:

Bolt:
ISO 4017 M16x2,0-60 grade 8.8 electro zinc plated
Nut:
ISO 4032 M16x2,0 grade 8 electro zinc plated
Flat washers:
Steel DIN 125
Contact surface:
Steel 210HV1 electro zinc plated
Clamp load [kN]
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230
Torque [Nm]
Torque / Load diagram

Green graph:
Unsecured joint (reference test)
Black graphs:
Palnut (electro zinc plated)
Five bolted joints secured by Palnuts were tightened according to DIN 7967 to a
preload of 75 kN in dry condition in order not to obstruct the locking function. One
reference joint was also tightened to a preload of 75 kN which corresponds to 75% of
the bolts capacity in tension.
Vibration test
80
70
Clamp load [kN]
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
10
15
20
25
30
Time [s]
Vibration test diagram

When exposing the bolted joints to the specified vibrations the following occurred.
Green graph:
The nut in the unsecured reference joint immediately started

to rotate and the preload decreased from 74 to 16 kN.
Black graphs:
All nuts secured by Palnuts immediately started to rotate

and the preload decreased from 74 kN to between 21 and 41
kN.
10
A sample of a bolted joint secured by Palnut before and after the vibration test.
Markings were made to easily detect any rotation of the nut.
Picture 4 Joint secured by electro zinc plated

Palnut before vibration test
Picture 5 Joint secured by electro zinc plated

Palnut after vibration test
11
Clamp load [kN]
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
-230 -220 -210 -200 -190 -180 -170 -160 -150 -140 -130 -120 -110 -100 -90 -80 -70 -60 -50 -40 -30 -20 -10
Torque [Nm]
Untightening diagram
After vibration testing all joints were untightened and disassembled.
12

Standard:
Duration:
Amplitude:
Frequency:
DIN 651 51
1,1 mm
30 Hz

Bolt:
ISO 4017 M16x2,0-60 grade 10.9 phosphated
Nut:
ISO 4032 M16x2,0 grade 10 phosphated
Flat washers:
Steel DIN 125
Contact surface:
Clamp load [kN]
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Torque [Nm]

Green graph:
Black graphs:
Palnut (phosphated)
reference joint was also tightened to a preload of 100 kN which corresponds to 71%
of the bolts capacity in tension.
13
Vibration test
110
100
90
Clamp load [kN]
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
10
15
20
25
30
Time [s]

Green graph:

Black graphs:
All nuts secured by Palnut immediately started to rotate and

the preload decreased from 98 kN to between 26 and 73 kN.
14
Picture 6 Joint secured by phosphated Palnut

before vibration test
Picture 7 Joint secured by phosphated Palnut

after vibration test
15
Clamp load [kN]
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
-350
-300
-250
-200
-150
-100
-50
Torque [Nm]
16

Standard:
Duration:
Amplitude:
Frequency:
DIN 651 51
1,3 mm
30 Hz

Bolt:
ISO 4017 M16x2,0-60 grade 10.9 hot dip galvanized
Nut:
ISO 4032 M16x2,0 grade hot dip galvanized
Flat washers:
Steel DIN 125 hot dip galvanized
Contact surface:
Clamp load [kN]
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
Torque [Nm]

Green graph:
Black graphs:
Palnut (hot dip galvanized)
reference joint was also tightened to a preload of 100 kN which corresponds to 71%
of the bolts capacity in tension.
17
Vibration test
110
100
90
Clamp load [kN]
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
10
15
20
25
30
Time [s]

Green graph:

Black graphs:

18
Picture 8 Joint secured by hot dip galvanized

Palnut before vibration testing
Picture 9 Joint secured by hot dip galvanized

Palnut after vibration testing
19
Clamp load [kN]
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
-250
-200
-150
-100
-50
Torque [Nm]
20

Standard:
Duration:
Amplitude:
Frequency:
DIN 651 51
0,7 mm
30 Hz

Bolt:
ISO 4017 M16x2,0-60 grade A4-80
Nut:
ISO 4032 M16x2,0 grade A4-80
Flat washers:
Stainless Steel DIN 125
Contact surface:
Clamp load [kN]
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
50
100
150
200
Torque [Nm]

Green graph:
Black graphs:
Palnut (Stainless steel A4)
preload of 75 kN. In order to avoid galling of the threads and to be able to reach the
desired preload the stainless steel joints were lubricated with Molykote 1000 (paste).
One reference joint was also tightened to a preload of 75 kN which corresponds to
79% of the bolts capacity in tension.
21
Vibration test
80
70
Clamp load [kN]
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
10
15
20
25
30
Time [s]

Green graph:

to rotate and the entire preload was lost.
Black graphs:

22
Picture 10 Joint secured by stainless steel

Palnut before vibration testing
Picture 11 Joint secured by stainless steel

Palnut after vibration testing
23
Clamp load [kN]
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
-250
-200
-150
-100
-50
Torque [Nm]
4.3.5 Summary vibration tests

In the performed vibration tests according to DIN 651 51 all bolted joints secured by
Palnut rotated. In several tests a joint secured by Palnut did not perform any better
than the unsecured reference joints. This is a strong indication that Palnut have no or
only very limited locking functionality even when assembled under strict control in a
laboratory environment.
Note: The vibration tests will be repeated by the independent research institute CETIM
in France as validation. The test results will be added to this report as an appendix.
24
4.4 Corrosion test ISO 9227

A corrosion test according to ISO 9227 will be performed for steel Palnut with the
surface coatings:
Electro zinc plating
Phosphate
Hot dip galvanizing
Note: The results of this test will be added to the report as an appendix. The
corrosion test will be performed by the research institute CETIM in France.
25
Appendix 1
26
Appendix 2
27

Function of Pal Nut

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Study of Palnut DIN 7967 bolt securing

1.2 Project methodology and structure

Finally the quality assurance and certification level will be researched.

3.1 Technical background

3.2 Marketing / Sales background

4.2 Assembly test

Fixation of the bolt

Picture 2 Assembled joint

Table 1 Test matrix

Electro zinc plated

Hot dip galvanized

Steel Domex electro zinc plated

4.2.1 Summary assembly test

4.3 Vibration test DIN 65151

Picture 3. Junker test principle according to DIN 651 51

4.3.1 Vibration Test 1

Bolted joint specifications:

Clamp load [kN]

Torque / Load diagram

Unsecured joint (reference test)

Palnut (electro zinc plated)

Clamp load [kN]

Vibration test diagram

The nut in the unsecured reference joint immediately started

All nuts secured by Palnuts immediately started to rotate

Picture 4 Joint secured by electro zinc plated

Picture 5 Joint secured by electro zinc plated

Clamp load [kN]

4.3.2 Vibration Test 2

Bolted joint specifications:

Clamp load [kN]

Torque / Load diagram

Unsecured joint (reference test)

Clamp load [kN]

Vibration test diagram

The nut in the unsecured reference joint immediately started

All nuts secured by Palnut immediately started to rotate and

Picture 6 Joint secured by phosphated Palnut

Picture 7 Joint secured by phosphated Palnut

Clamp load [kN]

4.3.3 Vibration Test 3

Bolted joint specifications:

Clamp load [kN]

Torque / Load diagram

Unsecured joint (reference test)

Palnut (hot dip galvanized)

Clamp load [kN]

Vibration test diagram

The nut in the unsecured reference joint immediately started

All nuts secured by Palnut immediately started to rotate and

Picture 8 Joint secured by hot dip galvanized

Picture 9 Joint secured by hot dip galvanized

Clamp load [kN]

4.3.4 Vibration Test 4

Bolted joint specifications:

Clamp load [kN]

Torque / Load diagram

Unsecured joint (reference test)

Palnut (Stainless steel A4)

Clamp load [kN]

Vibration test diagram

The nut in the unsecured reference joint immediately started

All nuts secured by Palnut immediately started to rotate and

Picture 10 Joint secured by stainless steel