EM nut choices 10v non-turbo

[rob hod]

    Being an interesting sort of chap I was talking to my audi mechanic
friend the other day about EM nuts as you do.

    He refuses to use the OEM 12mm nuts claiming that a) the thread locking
method is *too* good, which is why so many studs come out before the nut
start to rotate b) the stuff they're made of (copper content?) is too soft
c) he prefers 13mm (more to grip).

    He buys a big bag of 13mm nuts (plated in some way I guess - forgot to
ask), not locking in any way and uses plain (not spring in any way) washers
behind them. Claims never to have had any subsequent problem with loosening
or corrosion.

    Having used plain nuts with spring washers on the 'ole Jag EM for many
years I would say this may be true, but I do recall having turned out the
studs when I first got 'em. (i.e. after 15 years untouched)

    Just wondered what the esteemed characters on the list had to say on
this one. Is he an engineering visionary, Is he an, erm .. nut?, is there a
best practice, and is it different for turbo cars?




rob