Briggs "Lock-Connecting Rod Screw" - Confusion?

[creia]

The only ones I have ever installed were the short straps where you bend up the "ears" against the head of the rod bolt (Briggs part # 220756). I just purchased a rod for an old 1970s 3 Hp flathead I am restoring and it comes with 2 (thin) washers instead of the locking strap. It looks like they are Briggs part # 222282 if purchased separately. The instructions with the rod state to use these instead of the locking strap. Can someone tell me how these (typical/normal-appearing) flat washers can serve as a lock washer to keep the rod bolt from loosening?
Michael

[bgsengine]

hardened steel washers spreading out clamping load over a wider surface area, maintain clamping load (A.K.A. Torque) better than your typical mild steel washers (or locking straps) is what I always understood of them. They DO hold torque quite well - Kohler 's cast iron series that I used to rebuild 2-4 a day, they had similar (until they went to a compression sleeve and flange nut design) that held torque very well, rare to ever see one of those bolts come loose, unless con rod got so hot that the aluminum turned into plastic and threads pulled out with the bolt... I never did too many of the Briggs versions (most, it was more economical to short block the engine anyways, if the equipment was even worth the expense) but those that I did do, I never yet had any bolts come loose, long as they were properly torqued.

[creia]

Understood- Thank you Brian!
You have put my mind at ease about using these in place of the locking strap.
Michael