304 Stainless Steel High Collar Split Ring Lock Washers

Why use 304 stainless for high collar lock washers?

304 is the workhorse austenitic stainless, giving strong corrosion resistance for outdoor and freshwater use at a lower cost than 316. As a high collar washer, its reduced outer diameter fits under socket head cap screws and in counterbored holes where a standard washer is too wide, and its extra thickness keeps the helical spring locking force. Pair it with 304 or 18-8 stainless socket cap screws so the whole joint shares the same corrosion resistance. For coastal or saltwater exposure, choose a 316 lock washer. Tighten to the correct torque to activate the spring action.

Why choose 304 stainless high collar split ring lock washers

• Fits socket cap screws: smaller OD for counterbored holes.
• Corrosion resistant: 304 stainless resists rust in wet and outdoor use.
• Vibration locking: thick split ring bites the surface to resist loosening.
• Non-staining: will not rust-streak the mounting surface.

Common applications for 304 high collar lock washers

• Socket head cap screw assemblies
• Counterbored holes and tight clearances
• Outdoor and freshwater machinery
• Electrical and equipment work

For metric sizes, see metric 18-8 high collar split ring lock washers, and browse every material on the main lock washers category.

304 Stainless High Collar Split Ring Lock Washers FAQ

Why use a high collar washer with a socket cap screw?

Its smaller outer diameter fits under the narrow head of a socket head cap screw and into a counterbored hole, where a standard split ring washer would be too wide.

Is 304 good for coastal use?

304 handles most outdoor and freshwater exposure but can pit in salt. For coastal or saltwater use, choose 316.

Are high collar washers reusable?

Split lock washers are generally single-use, since flattening during installation reduces their spring tension on reuse.