Tornado PS Spotter 98220 Nylon Lock Nut #8-32 19913

The Tornado PS Spotter 98220 Nylon Lock Nut #8-32 (part# 19913) is the genuine OEM nyloc nut used on the recovery tank assembly of the PS Series professional spotter. Tornado’s dealer catalog lists it as “Nylon Nut 8 32 Spotter”, and the factory parts book calls out the same fastener on the recovery tank drawing.

Compatible Models for the Nylon Lock Nut #8-32

• Tornado PS Spotter 98220 — PS Series professional spotter, 115V, on the recovery tank assembly

Tornado’s factory cross-reference returns this part number for the 98220 only. It is one of the fasteners the manufacturer began itemising separately on the 2024 recovery tank drawing, which is why it carries its own part number rather than appearing inside a hardware kit. If you are working on a different machine and think you need this nut, call us at 763-535-0770 with your model and serial number before ordering — a nut that is the right thread but the wrong catalog number will not be covered by the same fitment.

What a nyloc nut does and why it is used here

A nylon-insert lock nut has a collar of nylon moulded into the top of the nut. The collar is slightly undersized, so as the nut runs up the thread the nylon is forced to deform around it. That deformation creates friction along the whole engaged thread rather than relying on clamp load alone, which is what stops the nut backing off under vibration. On a spotter this matters because the machine runs a vacuum motor and a pump in a compact housing and is carried, dropped into vans and set down on hard floors — a plain nut in the same position works loose. This is a #8-32 thread, the small UNC size Tornado uses throughout the tank hardware.

When to replace it

Nyloc nuts are not reusable fasteners. The nylon collar takes a permanent set the first time it is run onto a thread, so each time it is removed and refitted it holds less. The factory expectation is a new nut on reassembly. Replace one immediately if you can thread it on by hand all the way without feeling resistance in the last few turns, if the nylon looks glazed, melted or chewed, or if you have found the nut loose during service — a nut that has already backed off once will do it again. If a joint has worked loose and chewed its thread, replace the screw at the same time.

Fitting notes

Thread the nut on until the nylon bites, then tighten to a firm snug and stop; over-tightening a #8-32 fastener into a moulded tank is the quickest way to strip the joint you are securing. Do not use a thread locker on a nyloc — some compounds attack nylon, and the nut does not need it. Twin City Vacuum has been selling and servicing Tornado equipment since 1956 and stocks spotter tank hardware in Crystal, Minnesota.

You can browse every assembly for this machine on our Tornado PS Spotter 98220 parts page, and the manufacturer’s specifications are published at tornadovac.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Nylon Lock Nut #8-32 do on the Tornado PS Spotter 98220?

It is the locking fastener on the recovery tank assembly. The nylon collar grips the screw thread so the joint does not shake loose while the vacuum motor and pump are running or while the machine is being carried.

Can I reuse the Nylon Lock Nut #8-32 after taking it off?

You should not. The nylon collar deforms permanently the first time it is threaded on, so a reused nut holds with less and less resistance. Fit a new 19913 whenever you reassemble that joint.

How do I know if my Nylon Lock Nut #8-32 needs replacing?

Spin it onto the screw by hand. If it runs all the way down with no resistance, the nylon is finished. Glazed, melted or damaged nylon, or a nut you have already found loose in service, are all reasons to replace it.

How do I order the Nylon Lock Nut #8-32 (part# 19913) or get help?

You can add the Nylon Lock Nut #8-32 (part# 19913) directly to your cart on this page, or call us at 763-535-0770. Our staff at 5415 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428 has been servicing Tornado equipment since 1956 and can help confirm the right part for your machine.

Questions? Call us at 763-535-0770 or visit us at 5415 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428.