Which type of lock washer is designed to hold a nut in either a vertical or horizontal application?

The spring lock washer is specifically engineered to prevent nuts from loosening due to vibration and movement. Its unique design, which includes a set of coils, exerts pressure against the fastener and the surface of the material it is securing. This feature enables it to provide a consistent grip, effectively locking the nut in place in both vertical and horizontal applications.

In contrast, other types of lock washers serve different functions. The external tooth lock washer has teeth around its edge designed to bite into the surface of the material, providing grip, but may not be as effective in all orientations. The internal tooth lock washer operates on similar principles but uses teeth on the inner diameter, which might limit its effectiveness in certain settings. The wave washer is primarily used to provide a spring effect in a joint rather than specifically locking fasteners in place. Thus, the spring lock washer stands out for its versatility in securing nuts in various orientations.