SELF-LOCKING PREVAILING TORQUE FASTENER

Disclosed are two embodiments (40, 50) of a self-locking prevailing torque fastener featuring a common base portion (2) having an aperture (4) therethrough for receiving a threaded member that is at least partially surrounded by means such as a warped helical edge (6) for engaging the threads of the threaded member. Fasteners (40, 50) are provided with a pair of spaced-apart resilient torque arms having respective sections (8) that respectively extend downwardly from opposite edge of base portion (2) to sections (10) that extend upwardly to sections (12) that extend through respective openings (14) in each to respective free-ends (16) that are adapted to press against opposite sides of the threaded member. Each arm is provided with a tab (18) that extends outwardly away from section (12) and is adapted to engage opposite edges of an opening through an article such as a panel to which fastener (40, 50) is to be secured with sufficient force to inhibit loosening of the threaded member from fastener (40, 50) and also to lock the fastener to the article.