1. Difference in hardness: H_RSS > H_material
The ring lock washer has a higher surface hardness than commercially obtainable bolts including high grade bolts up to quality 12.9.
When tightening the bolt, the serration on the mating outer side of the washer grips. The result is a positive locking of the washer with the surface of the jointed parts.

2. Difference in friction: µ_o > µ_i
The smooth wedge-shaped segments on the dividing plane of the both halfs of the washer naturally have a considerable lower friction coefficient µ_i than the serrated outer surface µ_o.
A loose rotation caused by dynamic load leads inevitably to a movement between the two halfs of the washer.

3. Difference in angles: α > β
The angle of the wedges α on the dividing plane of the both halfs of the washer is greater than the lead of the thread β.
Due to this difference in angles the dilatation of the ring lock washer is greater than the axial displacement of the bolt.

4. Difference in pre-load: F_dyn > F_stat
The extention in thickness of the ring lock washer, caused by loose rotation, leads to an elongation of the bolt.
This effect leads directly to an increase of the pre-load compared with the quiescent state and as a result of this the desired self-locking effect happens.

5. Difference in comfort:
Whereas other bipartite washers are assembled separately or at best are glued provisionally, the two halfs of the ring lock washer are united undetachably by a high-quality plastics ring.
So there can never be a wrong and thereby ineffective assembly of the washer, nor by reuse.