Keps nutA Keps nut,, is a nut with an attached, free-spinning washer. It is used to make assembly more convenient. Common washer types are star-type lock washers, conical, and flat washers.'Keps' trademarkKeps is a trademark of ITW Shakeproof. The name comes from "kep" in Shakeproof, and the "s" is because usually more than one are purchased.