Another Loose Sprocket Nut

[lemonentrails]

<!--quoteo(post=90110:date=Sat 5th Jul 2008, 11:11 AM:name=dapleb)-->QUOTE(dapleb @ Sat 5th Jul 2008, 11:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->How do you explain a 'loose' nut that it still tabbed to a shaft? I can't see another way for this to happen.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
This is what i think/know/summise having seen the same problem on many other bikes using this method of locking
The constant back and forth shocks from the drive train loading and unloading (a bit like the way an air impact wrench works) causes the tab's splines to wear a minute amount which builds up over time to the point where loosening the nut is inevitable. Have a close look at an old tab whasher. Agreed if the nut is torqued up to the correct torque using perfect threads this is less likely to happen. But how often is this the case in the real world where access to torque wrenches is not always available and the ability to lock the shaft well enough so the required torque can be applied is not there.
Just my thoughts and experience of working with bikes for 20 odd years.