Method and apparatus for securing threaded connections against unwanted rotation

A method for preventing relative rotation of threaded downhole wireline tools comprising:

• a) installing a lock ring between a first threaded cylindrical downhole wireline tool and a second threaded cylindrical downhole wireline tool, wherein said lock ring comprises:
• i) a ring member defining a central hole, wherein said ring member further comprises an inner surface and an outer surface;
• ii) a plurality of locking tabs disposed along said outer surface;
• and
• b) threadedly connecting said first threaded cylindrical downhole wireline tool to said second threaded cylindrical downhole wireline tool in end-to-end relationship, wherein at least one of said locking tabs is received within an aligned notch on said first threaded cylindrical downhole wireline tool, and at least one of said locking tabs is received within an aligned notch on said second threaded cylindrical downhole wireline tool, and wherein said lock ring prevents relative rotation between said first threaded cylindrical downhole wireline tool and said second threaded cylindrical downhole wireline tools.

A method for preventing relative rotation of threaded downhole wireline tools comprising:

• a) providing a lock ring, wherein said lock ring comprises:
• i) a ring member defining a central hole, and wherein said ring member further comprises an inner surface and an outer surface;
• ii) a plurality of locking tabs disposed along said outer surface;
• b) installing said lock ring on a first threaded cylindrical downhole wireline tool having male threads, wherein said male threads are received in said central hole of said ring member;
• c) threadedly connecting said first threaded cylindrical downhole wireline tool to a second threaded cylindrical downhole wireline tool having female threads in end-to-end relationship;
• d) selectively positioning at least one of said locking tabs at least partially within an aligned notch on said first threaded cylindrical downhole wireline tool;
• and
• e) selectively positioning at least one of said locking tabs at least partially within an aligned notch on said second threaded cylindrical downhole wireline tool, wherein said lock ring prevents relative rotation between said first threaded cylindrical downhole wireline tool and second threaded cylindrical downhole wireline tools.