Washers
Washers are flat or shaped discs under bolt heads and nuts that spread load, protect surfaces, provide spacing or help locking, including plain, spring, wave, serrated, tab and fender washers. We supply standard and custom washers in steel, stainless, brass and plastic.
What it is
Plain washers distribute clamp load and prevent the nut digging into soft materials. Locking washers (spring, serrated, wedge-lock) help resist loosening. Special washers such as sealing washers (bonded seals), shims and insulating washers solve specific problems.
Hardened washers are used under high-strength bolts to avoid embedding.
Typical applications
- Bolted joints on soft materials
- Vibration-resistant assemblies
- Fluid sealing (bonded washers)
- Electrical insulation
- Shimming and spacing
Materials & grades
- Carbon steel (hardened or mild)
- Stainless steel A2/A4
- Spring steel
- Brass and copper
- Nylon and fibre
Points to consider
- Use hardened washers with 10.9 and 12.9 bolts.
- Spring washers give limited locking; consider wedge-lock washers for critical joints.
- Bonded seals suit hydraulic fittings with parallel threads.
- Custom sizes can be laser cut or stamped.
Frequently asked questions
Do spring washers prevent loosening?
They offer limited resistance; wedge-lock washers or thread lockers are more reliable for vibration.
What is a bonded seal washer?
A metal washer with a bonded rubber ring, used to seal parallel threaded hydraulic and pneumatic fittings.
Can you make custom washers?
Yes. Special sizes and materials are stamped, laser cut or machined to drawing.