What is the recommended practice for securing fasteners with lock tabs after torquing?

• A. Bend the tab to lock the nut and align with the notch
• B. Bend the tab away from the notch
• C. Cut off the lock tab
• D. Ignore the tab

Answer: (A)

Lock tabs provide a mechanical lock against vibration by tying the nut to the bolt through a physical deformation. After you’ve torqued to the specified value, bend the lock tab so it traps the nut and aligns with the notch. This alignment seats the tab into a groove or notch, so the tab cannot rise and the nut cannot rotate. The visual alignment also confirms the tab is properly seated. Bending the tab away from the notch would leave no locking engagement, and removing or ignoring the tab defeats the purpose of the lock. Always complete the bend so the tab sits firmly in the notch or groove and against the nut surface to maximize the locking effect.