FASTENERS 101™
Washer FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Washers
Zinc washers may rust in harsh (or marine) environments or if marring occurs.
Washers are thin round spacers that are usually fitted on the end of a bolt before a nut to provide a smooth even surface for the nut to tighten against.
A washer's size is determined by the inner diameter of the washer.
Galvanized washers will rust in very harsh environments but are considered to be one of the more corrosive resistant finishes available.
A lock washer is a washer that adds extra tension to an assembly to make it less likely to loosen by accident or vibration.
Washers can rust, always use washers in a material appropriate to your environment to deter rust.
Some lock washers can be reused. Internal and external tooth lock washers cannot typically get reused as they have teeth that get bent when installed. Split ring lock washers can be reused.
Washers are used on a bolt, between the installation material and the nut to provide a smooth even surface area for the nut to tighten against. They also help distribute pressure over a wider area.
Washers are important. They ensure that a nut is installed properly and prevent softer materials from damage by distributing the pressure over a greater surface area.
Washers are not always necessary but it is common practice to use them anyway.
Spring washers add tension to a fastener assembly and are used to absorb a shock or vibrations.
Typically, only one washer is used on the nut side of a bolt and nut assembly but more can be used depending on the application.
Lock washers have some characteristic that adds tension to an assembly reducing the chance of accidental loosening.
Washers are sized by their inner diameter.
You can start here: Washers
Washers are used with bolts to give the nut a smooth, even surface to tighten against, better distribute pressure on softer materials and prevent pull-through.
Lock washers are needed when the fastener assembly is subject to vibration or wherever back off is considered an issue.
Always use a washer between the installation material and the nut.
Washers provide a smooth, even surface to tighten against, better distribute pressure on softer materials and prevent pull-through.
Fender washers have a much larger outer diameter than standard flat washers, allowing for better load distribution and coverage of larger holes.
Explore More Fastener FAQs
- Anchor FAQ
- Rivet FAQ
- Nut FAQ
- Screw FAQ
- Bolt FAQ
- Drilling FAQ
- Materials FAQ
- Plating, Coating, and Finishes FAQ
For more detailed information please visit our Fasteners 101 Resource Pages
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Washer Diagram
