Albany County Fasteners - Nuts, Bolts, Screws, Washers, Rivets & Industrial Supply

Top 5 Common mistakes to avoid when using washers

Top 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Washers

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Washers

 

Washers, though small, play a crucial role in fastening systems by distributing load and protecting surfaces. Unfortunately, their proper use is often overlooked, leading to potential issues in various applications. Here, we’ll explore the top five Common mistakes to avoid when using washers to ensure your fastening projects are both secure and efficient.

 

1. Selecting the Incorrect Type of Washer

Different washers serve different purposes, and using the wrong type can

jeopardize your assembly’s integrity. It’s akin to wearing a raincoat in the desert—you’re prepared, but for the wrong situation!

  • Flat Washers: Ideal for distributing load and protecting surfaces, particularly
  •  useful in woodworking or with softer materials due to their wide bearing surface.
  • Spring Washers: Best suited for applications requiring maintained tension, such as in automotive or machinery environments, to prevent loosening from vibrations.
  • Lock Washers: Specifically designed to secure nuts and bolts in vibrating settings, like in appliances or heavy machinery.

Tip: Always match the washer type to your specific application. For a comprehensive selection, check our Washers Category Page.

2. Using the Wrong Size Washer

An improperly sized washer can cause uneven load distribution, leading to

damage or failure. It’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole—inefficient and awkward!

  • Too Small: May sink into the material, failing to provide the needed load distribution.
  • Too Large: Might not fit properly within the space and can interfere with the assembly.

Example: When fastening a 1/4″ bolt, ensure the washer’s inner diameter matches this size to distribute the load effectively without slipping through.

Tip: Measure the bolt or screw size accurately and choose a washer that fits snugly.

3. Over-Tightening the Fasteners

Over-tightening can deform both the washer and the material it’s meant to

black-oxide-lock-washers

protect, thus reducing its effectiveness. It’s like shaking hands with a bear—too much force can be disastrous!

  • Effect: Deformed washers fail to distribute load evenly, potentially leading to
  •  joint failure.
  • Prevention: Use a torque wrench to apply the correct amount of force.

Example: When installing metal roofing, over-tightening the washers can damage the roof panels and reduce weather resistance. Always adhere to torque specifications.

Tip: Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the appropriate torque settings to avoid over-tightening.

4. Reusing Old Washers

Washers can wear out over time, losing their effectiveness. Reusing old washers

is like using a worn-out toothbrush—it’s no longer effective!

  • Effect: Worn-out washers may not provide the necessary tension or load distribution, leading to loose fasteners.
  • Prevention: Always use new washers for critical applications.

Example: In plumbing, reusing washers can lead to leaks and water damage. Always opt for new washers to ensure a tight seal.

Tip: Inspect washers for signs of wear and replace them as necessary to maintain the integrity of your assembly.

5. Neglecting Environmental Factors

Environmental conditions can impact washer performance. Corrosion,

410 Stainless Steel External Tooth Lock Washer

temperature fluctuations, and chemical exposure can degrade specific washers.

Ignoring these factors is like wearing flip-flops in the snow—not ideal for the conditions!

  • Material Choice: Select washers made from materials that can withstand your specific environmental conditions (e.g., stainless steel for corrosion resistance).
  • Protection: In harsh environments, consider washers with additional coatings or treatments.

Example: For outdoor construction exposed to the elements, stainless steel or galvanized washers resist rust and corrosion, ensuring longevity.

Tip: Choose washers designed for your specific environmental conditions to ensure long-term performance. Check out our variety of washers suitable for different environments here.

Conclusion

By taking note of these common mistakes to avoid when using washers, you can significantly improve the performance and longevity of your fastening systems. Select the appropriate washer type and size, avoid over-tightening, refrain from reusing old washers, and consider environmental factors to ensure a secure and efficient assembly.

For a wide selection of high-quality washers tailored to your needs, visit our Washers Category Page. Happy fastening!

What Are Belleville Washers?

Belleville Conical Washers 18-8 Stainless Steel

 

SHOP BELLEVILLE WASHERS

 

What is a Belleville Washer?

These cupped spring washers flatten out as

 pressure is applied to them. They are commonly used to produce exceptionally high loads in small areas. Coned disk washers can absorb and dampen shocks and vibration as well, making them useful in many industries and applications.

The Many Industry Terms of Belleville

 Washers

Belleville Coned – Disc
Conical Cupped Spring
Spring Lock Spring
Conical Spring Disc Spring
Belleville Spring  

How Conical Washers Work

The conical spring washer has a cone shape that presses against the underside of the bolt head and into the installation material. This increased tension has a number of benefits including:

  • Vibration Control (Lock Washer)
  • Pre-Load
  • Increased Load
  • Increased Deflection
  • Spacing
  • Dampen/Absorb Shocksinstalled belleville washer with bolt

Relevant Definitions

Pre-Load
Refers to the axial load placed on a fastener. Pre-load is considered to be 75% of the proof-load.
Proof-load
A test load a fastener MUST be able to hold without causing any compromise in its integrity. Considered the maximum safe load of a fastener.
Deflection
The degree to which a structural element is displaced under a load.

Due to their resistance to vibrations, conical washers are also considered to be lock washers as they perform a similar function. These disc spring washers are not only useful on their own but can be stacked in several different structures for increased resistance / absorption as well.

Belleville Spring Washer Stacks

Spring washers can be stacked in several structures to increase certain characteristics they produce for optimal performance.

series stack belleville washers

Series Stack

A series stack involves placing the washers top to bottom so that they create a gap in the middle. This can greatly increase the deflection of the stack by adding a spring like effect to the washers. *Note: This stack does not increase the load capacity of the fastener assembly.

parallel stack belleville washers

Parallel Stack

A parallel stack involves placing all of the washers in the same direction. Each added washer increases the load capacity of the stack. *Note: The deflection does not increase based on this stack.

 

parallel/series stack belleville washers

Parallel/Series Stack

The mixed parallel/series stack involves performing both types of stacks in a single fastener assembly. This increases both the load and deflection and can be arranged to suit almost any situation as needed to comply with the project needs.

Please note that while Belleville spring lock washers are exceptionally versatile and can be stacked in multiple configurations, the washer that rests against the installation material must always have it’s widest portion against the material.

Belleville Washer Uses

Due to Belleville washers being so versatile, they have many different uses and can be found in many different industries.

Spring Washer Uses
Locking (Prevent Fasteners Vibrating Loose) Limit effects of Relaxation
Spring Resolve Thermal Expansion
Spacer Dampen/Absorb Shock
Deter Bolt Yield Extra Tension
Shim  
Industries That Use Conical Washers
Energy Utility Transmission
Distribution Pump and Valve Manufacturing
Chemical Automotive
Transportation Industrial Automation
And Many More  

Can Belleville Washers Be Reused?

Yes, Belleville conical washers can be reused, repeatedly, as long as they are not damaged. Overloading and over-torquing these washers can wear them out over time. As long as they are used properly and checked before reuse, these fasteners can be used again and again to complete projects.

Belleville Washer Installation

Installing Belleville washers is very easy. There are only a few steps to consider:

  1. Determine the project load capacity and deflection.
  2. Decide which Spring Washer Stack will give you the optimal results.
  3. Slide the washers onto a bolt in the optimal stack.
  4. Slide the bolt through the installation material with the stack pressing against the installation material (remember the base washer must be facing down).
  5. Tighten the bolt against the other side of the installation material.

 

SHOP BELLEVILLE WASHERS

 

Lock Nuts and Lock Washers

Locking Fasteners

Locking fasteners come in many varieties and styles to help keep your fastener assemblies secure and resist loosen from vibration. Locking nuts and washers are great tools to keep assemblies from accidental loosening, basically they stop things from falling apart! But what kind of locking nut or washer should you buy? Below we explain some of the popular types to help you choose.

Lock Washers

Lock washers are washers with designed changes to add extra friction or tension to your fastener assembly to prevent loosening. Each lock washer is engineered to work for different applications, if you are unsure if the hardware you are selecting is appropriate, make sure to consult an engineer.

Click the name of any type of lock washer or nut you would like to know more about or buy directly from our website.

Lock Washer Type Description Image

External Tooth

“External Star”

External tooth lock washers are serrated and create tension between the teeth and the installation surface. This increased tension can make it harder for a fastener assembly to vibrate loose.
Internal Tooth
“Internal Star”
Internal tooth lock washers have bent teeth that are designed to create tension and friction on the inside of a bolt head or against the nut. They are often chosen over external tooth lock washers due to their cleaner finish. internal tooth lock washer
High Collar Split Ring High collar lock washers are similar to regular split ring washers except they are made to fit under the head of a socket cap screw. They have a smaller outer diameter designed to fit into a counter-bored hole. high collar split ring lock washer
Split Ring Split ring lock washers are washers with a cut in them and bent into a helicoil shape. As the nut loosens, extra pressure is applied from the expanding lock washer which can stop a bolt from loosening unintentionally split ring lock washer

Lock Nuts

Lock nuts are nuts that have been altered in some way to deter them from vibrating loose. Below are a few of the more common types of lock nuts you are likely to come across.

Lock Nut Type Description Image
Castle Castle nuts, while not technically lock nuts, can function as lock nuts after installation. They require that a cotter pin be placed through a hole in a bolt and through the crown of the nut. We consider these to be lock nuts because the cotter pin will hold the nut in place if it comes loose. Castle Nut
Flange Serrated Flange serrated nuts have one wide side that acts as an integrated washer. The washer side has serrations which, when tightened, can help prevent loosening by adding extra friction to the assembly. Serrated Flange Lock Nut
Keps-K Keps K lock nuts Have an attached spinning washer with teeth that can dig into the assembly. They are similar to that of an external tooth lock washer combined with a nut. Keps K lock nut
Nylon Insert Nylon insert lock nuts are a taller nut with the same nylon insert. Threads cut into the insert as installed resulting in a better grip to help prevent a fastener assembly vibrate loose. Nylon Insert Lock Nut
Nylon Jam “Thin” Nylon Jam lock nuts are a low profile nut that have an internal nylon insert. As the bolt is screwed on the threads cut into the nylon holding them in place and preventing vibrations from loosening them. Nylon Jam Nut
“Stover” Cone Prevailing Torque Stover lock nuts have chamfered corners. The distortion in the top threads from the shape of the bolt create resistance to loosening. This is a better choice for high heat applications because no nylon insert is used. Stover Nut
Two Way Reversible Two way reversible lock nuts have indents on the outside flats of the nut causing distortions of the internal threading. These distortions create resistance of the mating part. two way reversible lock nuts

NOTE: We also offer thread locker solutions that can provide a low, medium or high level grip to prevent assemblies from loosening as well.

Looking For More Blogs Like This One?

Sign up to get new blogs sent directly to your inbox!


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Visa, Discover, MasterCard, & PayPal