Bearing adapter sleeves are the most commonly used components for locating bearings with a tapered bore onto a cylindrical seat as they can be used on plain or stepped shafts. They are easy to install and require no additional location on the shaft. When adapter sleeves are used on plain shafts, the bearing can be located at any position on the shaft. When used on stepped shafts together with an L-shaped spacer ring, bearings can be accurately positioned axially thereby facilitating bearing mounting and dismounting.
Lock nuts are used to locate bearings and other components onto a shaft or adapter sleeve. They are also used for mounting bearings on tapered shaft seats and dismounting bearings from withdrawal sleeves.
Lock nuts have to be secured to prevent unintentional loosening. This is done, either by a locking device that engages a keyway in the shaft or key slot in the adapter sleeve, or by a locking mechanism integrated in the nut.
Lock nuts with an integrated locking mechanism reduce the cost of the shaft as no keyway is required. Installation is also quicker and easier because no separate locking device is necessary. However, the loosening torque of these lock nuts requires more attention. For information on loosening torque, refer to the product data sections for the various lock nut series.