How to Select Washers
Image Credit: Alloy Fasteners
Washers are disks of metal or non-metallic material placed beneath a nut, an axle bearing, or a joint, to relieve friction, prevent leakage, isolate, prevent loosening, or distribute pressure.
Types of Washers
There are many different types of washers for a variety of applications. Lock washers are used to secure fasteners. Spring washers are a load bearing device that provides a preload...
Learn More about Washers
Q & A on Washers
We asked our users for their input on Washers. Here are the results of 45 users familiar with Washers.
Who Took Our Poll? | Design Trends | Applications and Use | Features | Buying Advice |Design TrendsTop
What new technologies are influencing washer design?
7 answers
Load indicating washers; neoprene/stainless steel weather washers
~Tom L, Architect, Seattle, WA
Tailor made washers are expected to make custom made suppliers
~FELIX F, Purchaser, Hosur, India
New materials and applications are influencing design.
~Purchasing, Cheshire, Great Britain
From toys to space equipment
~Simon B, Design Engineer, Noble Park, Australia
Fineblanking
~General Corporate Mgmt, Franklin, MI
CAD CAM
~General Management, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
All
~Alex K, Project Manager, Norfolk Island, Norfolk Island
From your perspective, which companies are creating the most innovative washers?
4 answers
Portland Bolt
~Tom L, Architect, Seattle, WA
Bokers, WCL
~Simon B, Design Engineer, Noble Park, Australia
BOKERS
~General Management, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
All
~Alex K, Project Manager, Norfolk Island, Norfolk Island
Applications and UseTop
What are some of the applications you have used washers for?
14 answers
Avoid chassis damage from fasteners, Major component fixing
~Other, Dubbo, Australia
Sheet metal siding and roofing; flashing application
~Tom L, Architect, Seattle, WA
Fendor rear assy in two wheelers, Number plate
~FELIX F, Purchaser, Hosur, India
Aerospace tooling / structures / mechanisms
~Engineering, Faculty/Staff/Student, San Diego, CA
Anything to do with building to engineering
~Alex K, Project Manager, Norfolk Island, Norfolk Island
Part retention, spacing, load spreading
~Engineering, Design, Loughton, United Kingdom
As a mounting spacer on switches
~Peter C, Manufacturer, Warner, Australia
Emergency eyewash equipment
~Research & Development, Sydney, Australia
Machine spindle drawbars
~Engineering, Process/Production, Elk Grove Village, IL
Spacers, Bolt seat, etc.
~Simon B, Design Engineer, Noble Park, Australia
Fixing and repairs
~Purchasing, Cheshire, Great Britain
Bolted joints
~General Corporate Mgmt, Franklin, MI
Components
~General Management, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
Sealing
~Engineering, Design, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Please share with us any “non-standard” applications that washers have been used for.
4 answers
Extra large outside dia with standard inside dia. Wave washer to take up slack.
~Simon B, Design Engineer, Noble Park, Australia
My design of auto body washers
~Alex K, Project Manager, Norfolk Island, Norfolk Island
No applicable examples
~Engineering, Faculty/Staff/Student, San Diego, CA
Shims
~Tom L, Architect, Seattle, WA
Do you know of any disastrous mistakes that occurred due to the incorrect usage of washers?
2 answers
Installation error: installed with too much torque or not enough; applicator error.
~Tom L, Architect, Seattle, WA
Improper size request causing non conforming parts
~General Management, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
FeaturesTop
What would your design or feature "wish list" be for this product?
8 answers
Nylon washer, black, 2mm thick, 12.5mm internal diameter, 19mm outside diameter
~Peter C, Manufacturer, Warner, Australia
Neoprene/galv washer/screw: hold the prefinished paint finish
~Tom L, Architect, Seattle, WA
That my design sold and manufactured for use
~Alex K, Project Manager, Norfolk Island, Norfolk Island
Consistent material properties
~Engineering, Process/Production, Elk Grove Village, IL
Standard and custom made
~FELIX F, Purchaser, Hosur, India
No need for wish list
~Simon B, Design Engineer, Noble Park, Australia
Increased thickness
~General Management, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
Capabilities
~General Corporate Mgmt, Franklin, MI
Buying AdviceTop
Do you have any advice for people relative to buying or using washers?
3 answers
Pick product that matches weather resistance requirements.
~Tom L, Architect, Seattle, WA
Choose the right type for the job.
~Alex K, Project Manager, Norfolk Island, Norfolk Island
Choose wisely
~Simon B, Design Engineer, Noble Park, Australia
Is there any advice you want to share with users to help them avoid common errors in selection or usage of washers?
3 answers
Important to match intent and use in real world (not design); review complete attachment system as well as the application process in the field to verify design intent. Verifying field conditions is very important.
~Tom L, Architect, Seattle, WA
Some similar i.d. washers have different thicknesses.
~Simon B, Design Engineer, Noble Park, Australia
As above and get advice if you're not sure.
~Alex K, Project Manager, Norfolk Island, Norfolk Island
