Stainless Steel Lock Washers
What are stainless steel lock washers? Stainless steel lock washers resist loosening from vibration through spring tension or biting teeth that grip the fastener and surface. Made from 316 stainless and metric A2 and A4 grades, they hold joints tight in wet, coastal, and outdoor conditions where a plated washer would rust.
Stainless Steel Lock Washers
Split Ring Lock Washers
Corrosion-resistant split, twisted-ring washers in 304, 316, and A4 stainless that spring against the nut to resist loosening from vibration.
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High Collar Split Ring Lock Washers
Corrosion-resistant narrower, thicker split lock washers in 304 and A2 stainless sized to fit under socket cap screw heads in counterbores.
Internal Tooth Lock Washers
Corrosion-resistant lock washers in 316 and 410 stainless with inner teeth that bite the fastener to resist loosening, hidden for a clean look.
External Tooth Lock Washers
Washers with teeth on the outer edge that grip a wider surface for stronger vibration resistance and electrical grounding.
Split ring vs tooth lock washers
Lock washers resist loosening two ways. Split ring washers use a sprung, twisted ring that presses against the nut and surface to maintain tension, and they are the general-purpose choice. Tooth washers, internal or external, have teeth that bite into the fastener and surface for a stronger grip and, with external teeth, electrical grounding. Internal teeth hide for a cleaner look, external teeth grip a wider surface. Match the grade to the environment, with 316 or A4 for coastal exposure.
Types of stainless lock washers
- Split ring: sprung ring presses against nut and surface.
- High collar split ring: narrower, thicker, fits under socket cap heads.
- Internal tooth: hidden teeth for a cleaner look.
- External tooth: wider grip and electrical grounding.
Common applications for stainless lock washers
- Machinery and equipment under vibration
- Electrical grounding connections (external tooth)
- Socket cap screw assemblies (high collar)
- Marine and coastal hardware (316 or A4)
For nuts with built-in locking, see stainless lock nuts, and browse every lock washer type and finish on the main lock washers category.
Stainless Steel Lock Washers FAQ
What grades do your lock washers come in?
They come in 316 stainless and metric A2 and A4 grades. A2 is comparable to 304 and A4 to 316.
Split ring or tooth lock washer?
Split ring is the general-purpose choice. Tooth washers grip harder and, with external teeth, provide electrical grounding.
Do stainless lock washers work as well as steel?
Stainless lock washers resist loosening well, though stainless is springier and softer than hardened steel. For critical vibration, consider an all-metal lock nut in addition.