Why are ';locking washers'; necessary when bolting two pieces of wood together?

What would happen if I didn't use one? I'm bolting together pieces of wood and do not have enough clearance to use a washer and a locking washer - how bad would that be?Why are ';locking washers'; necessary when bolting two pieces of wood together?
PlainJane offers some valid suggestions. Lock washers are designed primarily for PARTS that are likely to move in some way, or vibrate. Since we don't know any details about the two pieces of wood you want to bolt together; it may be a useless effort to LOCK the nut to the bolt.





Another answer suggests countersink, which is also a valid suggestion. Lock nuts can also be used, but again, without knowing your intent; any and all advise here might be considered.





Steven WolfWhy are ';locking washers'; necessary when bolting two pieces of wood together?
you don't need locking washers, not in the uk anyway, but it is advisable to put some form of jagged edged washer between the two timbers on every bolt, it helps prevent any movement between the two timbers. and between the nut and the timber it is also advisable to place a large washer. this is purely to prevent the nut drawing into the timber to far when tightening...
Lock washers hold pressure on the nut so it won't loosen, if you left them off you possibly might have to tighten them occasionally not a big deal. An alternative elastic stop nuts they never loosen or rarely.
Not as important as on metal installations, like gates, parts subject to vibrations, etc. The suggestion to use a 'locking nut' is right-on'; it's a nut with a plastic or nylon insert that resists the bolt from loosening. You can also use LocTite...but choose wisely: there are 2 types of it, one is removable, the other is permanent.





If the wood is thick enough, you could countersink a hole just deep enough to accommodate a lock-washer, flat washer and the nut.
Buy a lock nut. They have a couple different types. Using it with the fender washer will be all you need. Locktite will work but is way more expensive than a lock nut. If you only need one lock nut just buy that instead.
Try using a flat washer. This will keep the nut and bolt from drawing itself into the wood when you tighten them.