Washers are small, flat components that work in tandem with fasteners such as bolts and screws to distribute stress, prevent loosening, and protect surfaces. Here’s a summary of several typical washer types and their applications:
Beveled Washers
Beveled washers are commonly used with I-beams, as they can easily attach through the flanges, providing a flat surface for the nut or bolt head.
Countersunk Finishing Washers
Ideal for applications where appearance and smoothness are important, these washers are used with flat and oval head screws in wood and metal applications.
Dock Washers
Thick and heavy-duty, dock washers are often used in the construction or repair of docks, providing a wide bearing surface to distribute load.
External Tooth Lockwashers
These washers have teeth that extend outward to bite into the bearing surface, preventing bolt loosening in applications where vibration is a concern.
Fender Washers
Thin and flat, fender washers provide a wide bearing surface, commonly used in automotive and sheet metal applications to distribute load over a larger area.
Flat Washers
A broad category of washers that are flat and smooth, used in various applications to disperse load and prevent damage to surfaces.
Internal Tooth Lockwashers
Used to secure screw and nut connections, these washers have teeth that bite into the fastener to prevent loosening over time.
Internal/External Combo Tooth Lockwashers
Combining the benefits of both internal and external tooth lockwashers, these provide added protection against loosening.
Metric Washers
Flat washers designed for use with metric-threaded hardware, providing load distribution and surface protection.
Shoulder Washers
Featuring an extended sleeve on the internal surface, shoulder washers help insulate metal screws in electrical applications and reduce friction between parts.
Split Lockwashers
These washers have a split that acts similarly to an internal tooth lockwasher, preventing loosening and slipping of fasteners.
Structural Washers
Made from high-grade, heat-treated steel, structural washers are used with structural bolts and nuts in construction applications.
Thru Hard Washers
Heat-treated for heavy-duty use, these washers have a high tightness tolerance, making them suitable for applications requiring high clamping forces.
Each type of washer has a distinct purpose, ranging from preventing loosening to distributing load and protecting surfaces. Understanding the many types of washers and their applications will help you select the best one for your project, resulting in a secure and dependable fastening solution.