316 Stainless Steel Split Ring Lock Washers

Why choose 316 stainless over 304 for lock washers?

316 stainless adds molybdenum for far better resistance to salt and chloride pitting than 304, so a 316 split ring washer keeps its light-duty locking action in coastal, marine, and wash-down environments. As the fastener is torqued, the sharp ends bite the surface and the spring holds tension against loosening. Pair it with 316 stainless bolts and nuts so the whole joint shares the same protection. For general freshwater use, 304 is more economical. Tighten to the correct torque and avoid over-tightening.

Why choose 316 stainless split ring lock washers

• Marine-grade corrosion resistance: molybdenum-alloyed for salt and chlorides.
• Vibration locking: split ring bites the surface to resist loosening.
• Non-staining: will not rust-streak the mounting surface.
• Match grade: pairs with 316 stainless hardware.

Common applications for 316 split ring lock washers

• Marine, dock, and boat hardware
• Coastal and saltwater exposure
• Wash-down and food-grade equipment
• Chlorinated and chemical settings

For general freshwater use, see 304 stainless split ring lock washers, and browse every material on the main lock washers category.

316 Stainless Split Ring Lock Washers FAQ

Why choose 316 over 304?

316 adds molybdenum for much better resistance to salt and chloride pitting, making it the choice for coastal, marine, and wash-down use where 304 could corrode.

Is 316 the same as A4 metric?

A4 is the metric grade comparable to 316. Both are molybdenum-alloyed marine-grade stainless.

How does the split ring lock the joint?

Its sharp cut ends bite into the surfaces while the helical spring maintains tension, resisting rotation and loosening in light-duty vibration.