Why am I breaking Pitlock spring washers so frequently? I'm hoping some pitlock users out there can help me out. I've installed these on a pair of new bikes to add some protection for some expensive wheels. They seem to be a decent deterrent. My problem is that I can't seem to remove them without splitting the thin, notched spring washers that sit beneath the pit nut (and engage its grooves).

I've been super careful to press in on the socket/pit when loosening to try to depress those sprung notches. I've also got the hardware on correctly (nylon washer, etc.). 

I've seen no internet trail of failure for these things, so my assumption is that I'm the problem, but I've busted 3 now despite trying pretty hard not to, and I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. I've watched Pitlock's YouTube videos of install/removal, and they're pressing the same way I was during removal (thumb on socket, fingers behind stay, squeeze in, and rotate with tool). Doesn't look like they're cranking that hard.

I have installed about the same as they do and explain in the instructions (finger tighten, then 1 to 1 1/2 turns with a lever/tool). I don't think I've overtightened them, and in the last couple of re-installs (with the partially wrecked washers, since replacements haven't arrived yet) I've been erring on the side of a bit looser yet.
I reached out to Pitlock DE about this question specifically (I'm an authorized North American retailer since 2006) and heard this back:


  Regarding the question of your customer about the spring washers, I
  talked to our technicians. The spring washers are wearing parts in
  theory but they shouldn’t break that easily. If you press the key
  firmly into the lock when opening and closing it, the washer should
  really last a long time. We’re in close contact with a lot of
  customers here and seeing their and our own bikes, the washers have
  lasted years with fairly regular mounting and unmounting. The thing
  really is to press the washer down with the key when opening the lock.
  Of course, there can always be an issue with the washer itself. 


So while this is a part that is expected to wear over time, the experience you (and the respondents in this post) are seeing is unexpected.

We do offer replacement spring washers on our site, here: https://www.urbanbiketech.com/collections/accessories/products/replacement-lockring

If anyone else is having an issue with unexpectedly high failure rate, please feel free to reach out to me directly (via our contact us page), and I can help rectify the situation with the manufacturer and/or provide an appropriate discount on replacement products.