Traditional mechanical methods of preventing fasteners from loosening are now being reevaluated. Consumerism has put a priority on safety and reliability which has triggered a move toward a greater use of locking fasteners.
The American National Standards Institute Subcommittee B18:20 on the performance of locking fasteners is currently drafting performance specifications on chemical-locking and free-spinning fasteners.
The SAE Subcommittee on Vibration Testing of Fasteners has also begun to screen fastener testing equipment.
The author of this paper, actively involved with both groups, offers a preview of locking fastener identification, benefits, and problems; also, fastener performance employing the latest transverse shock and vibration equipment, which shows that lock washers do not really lock.