Types of Washers: The Comprehensive Guide

Washers are used in conjunction with the fasteners to help fit the components together. The washers are of different types, and each type has a unique purpose. Different materials are used to manufacture these washers.

If you want to learn about the different types of washers, read the guide below.

What are Washers?

Washers are small, flat, and round disc-like components that have a hole in the center. They can be manufactured using different materials and can spread the load over a wider surface area.

The washer is placed between the screw and the surface so that it can help minimize the vibration and act as a spacer. It helps to allow the machine or equipment to function properly and even helps prevent corrosion.

Purpose of a Washer

There are many reasons that may compel you to opt for a washer, such as fitting it with the components in the equipment, machines, and other applications.

Some of the purposes of having these washers are as follows:

• Washers are used as spacers with thread fasteners, which, when inserted in objects, are longer than the depth. The fastener protrudes from the back of the object, and the washers hold it in place.
• Washers help with load distribution through the surface, and the risk of damage and deformation is reduced.
• Washers even control the flow of water and other liquids to enter or exit from the pipelines and connectors. It helps to make a waterproof seal.
• The vibration in some machines and applications is controlled by washers. The washers used are made of materials like plastic, which are soft materials that absorb vibrations better.
• Washers also serve as a protective barrier between the bolt heads and nuts. They help to connect the surfaces by preserving them from dents and scratches.
• They are made using materials that are corrosion-resistant and hence are able to perform in environments that are chemically and moisture-exposed. Hence, they protect the fastening system from corrosion.

Different Types of Washers

There are different types of washers, each having a different purpose; some of the common types are discussed below.

Plain Washers

Plain washers are very commonly used, and they protect the item which is attached to the screw by dispersing force. It even helps the screw to fit properly in a large hole. The different types of washers in the category of plain washers are as follows:

Torque Washers

Torque washers are used in the woodworking sector. The outer prongs of the washer have a hole in a square shape, which keeps the bolt away from spinning.

Flat Washers

Flat washers consist of holes in the middle and have a flat disc-like shape. These are suitable for the screws having small heads so that the weight can easily spread across the wide area.

Fender Washers

The fender washers have a big size with a small hole in the middle. These washers spread the load across a broad region. They mostly opted for the plumbing, automobile, and manufacturing industries.

Finishing or Countersunk Washers

Countersunk washers are meant to secure a countersunk screw having a flat head which creates a flush finish.

Shoulder Washers

Shoulder washers can be made using metals, nylon, fiberglass, and even PTFE. These have a shape like shoulders and work like insulators for wires and screws.

C-washer

A C-washer looks like a flat washer but has a hole cut from the center, which creates a C-shape. The major advantage of these washers is that you can easily modify, remove, or adjust them without removing fasteners.

Spring Washers

Spring washers are suitable for such machines that keep on vibrating during the process of operation.

These washers help to ensure that the fasteners stay in their position by vibrating along with the machine and ensuring their flexibility. Some of the spring washers are given below.

Belleville or Conical Washers

Conical washers are meant to maintain tension during the contraction and expansion of the assembly. They can handle larger weights.

Dome Spring Washers

The dome washer is known for managing larger capacity with negligible deflection. They can absorb vibrations and have curves that can handle the load, offering versatile applications.

Wave Spring Washers

Wave spring washers have curves that work like spacers or cushions. These wave spring washers can support moderate load and offer protection against wear on the surface.

Finger Spring Washers

The finger spring washer has three flanges in a curved layout, which helps to reduce vibration and controls wear and tear and even noise on the rotating components. These washers are mostly made of carbon steel and can handle heavy loads.

Crescent Spring Washers

The crescent spring washer has a curved layout, which helps it maintain flexibility. These washers have a wide deflection range and can handle very light loads.

Lock Washers

Lock washers are meant to prevent the nuts and screws from rotating and loading their position. It helps them stay intact during excessive vibration. Some of the types of lock washers used are as follows:

Split Lock Washers

The split lock washer is also known as a helical washer and helps in securing fasteners. These washers have rings that are bent in opposite directions, inwards as well as outwards. They help to secure the bent by digging into the mating surface.

External Tooth Lock Washers

The external tooth lock washer has a teeth-like structure which keeps the screw head and nut intact. They have a large head with screws and have teeth on the outer diameter to create compression resistance.

Internal Tooth Lock Washers

The inner diameter of the internal tooth locker has many teeth, which keeps the nut head and bolt from loosening. They help dampen noise and lock fasteners in their position.

Specialized Washers

There are different types of specialized washers, which are discussed below

Keps Nuts

Keps nuts are also known as k-lock nuts, which have washers built within them to help with spinning. These washers make the assembly process more convenient.

Top Hat Washers

Top hat washers are suitable when installing or repairing a tap as they are used in plumbing applications.

Keyed Washers

Keyed washers are used to facilitate the bolts so that they can be prevented from spinning. These washers are mostly used in the automobile industry.

Insulating Shoulder Washers

Insulating shoulder washers are made using plastic, peek, or nylon and are used in electronic applications. These washers help in the solution of mounting screws from electric current.

Gaskets

Gaskets are also known as o-rings; they are made of rubber and have multiple sizes to fit each purpose.

These are mechanical seals that can fill the space between surfaces so that spills and leaks can be prevented. Gaskets are used in automobile sectors to prevent the gas and oil connectors from leaking.

Materials Used to Make a Washer

Washers offer versatility in materials, and hence, there are different types of materials used for manufacturing them. Some of these are as follows:

Nylon and Rubber

Rubber washers are made with synthetic rubber nitrite, which helps seal the washers. Nylon also offers the same properties. These washers offer improved flexibility, but districts are under pressure.

Metal Washers

Metal washers are made using different types of metals and grades and offer excellent properties.

They are powerful; hence, the seal is quite strong, ensuring that there are no leaks or drippings. The metal washers are mostly made with stainless steel ensuring resistance against corrosion.

Plastic Washers

The plastic washers are manufactured using injection molding and offer cost-effectiveness. These are adopted due to the strength they offer and also are suitable for electrical isolation and resisting vibrations.

Plastic washers are suitable for electronic applications and can be either as clear plastics or different colored plastics.

Size Chart of Different Washers

SAE and USS are two different types of size charts used by machinists for washers. The charts for the size guide are given below.

Washers Standards You Need to Know

The washer standards which are important to know when opting for washers are as follows:

ASME ANSI B 18.22.1 Plain Washers

The ASTM F844 standard covers the flat washer inches series, which are commonly used. The flat washers have a bearing surface and are used under applications using either bolt heads or fasteners having external threads like bolts.

ASME B18.21.1 Helical Spring-Lock Washers

Spring lock washers from the inch series have heavy-duty varieties and are made with stainless steel or spring steel.

These are used in applications where the load has to be distributed over a large area to create a surface with a hardened bearing. It facilitates the assembling of components.

DIN 125A Flat Washers

Flat washers under the DIN 125A are made using sheet metal and have a smooth surface with a bearing. The flat washers go underneath the heads of bolts and nuts and are made using carbon and stainless steel.

DIN 6799 Retaining Washers

Retaining washers are high-performance washers, which are also called E-rings. They use eccentric shafts with grooves to support spring retention and are suitable for axial force transmission.

What are the Shapes of Washers?

There are different shapes of washers that are utilized in various applications, and these are discussed below:

Spherical Shape

Spherical shape washers have a parallel plane between the bolt head and nut face. These washers can balance the misalignment between the planes and protect them against bolt bending.

Some examples of such shaped washers are flat washers, slotted, countersunk, and fender washers.

Square Shape

Compared to round washers, square washers offer a wider surface area, which enhances the distribution of torque. It offers rotation prevention and even ensures corrosion resistance.

These are meant to restrict vibration, noise, and electric current. These washers are mostly countersunk, flat, or structural washers.

Shoulder Shape

Shoulder-shaped washers are also called insulator washers. These are made using nylon, and they have a barrel that is either long or short; they protect the fasteners from dirt and moisture.

Wave Shape

Wave-shape washers are metal-based washers that are covered in two different directions and are opted for as cushions and spacers. They can handle the load, maintaining tension even when compressed. A wave washer is an example of a wave shape.

C-Shaped

C-shaped washers are designed to be slid in and out on a bolt and do not require loosening. C-washers are used for retention on the grooved shaft, and they keep the components in their position.

Some of the examples of these washers are slotted and lock washers.

How to Choose the Right Washer?

The selection of the right washer is very crucial to achieving the required purpose, and some of the considerations to have in mind when choosing one are the following:

Material Typ

Material is the first consideration when choosing the washer, and in this case, you need to assess the strength.

When choosing a washer, the base material and the washer material must have the same strength. In cases where the strength is not compatible with one another, the base material may be damaged.

Bolt Strength and Washer Strength Compatibility

The bolt and washer type should be matched. The high-strength bolts must be used with high-strength washers so that the stability of the product is obtained.

Bolted components must have matching material; for instance, metal bolts should have metal washers, and plastic bolt nuts should have plastic washers.

Environmental Considerations

The environmental conditions in which the washer will be used are also assessed when selecting it.

If the washer is exposed to harsh chemicals and weather, the material of the washer selected should be resistant to corrosion and durable enough to handle such exposure.

DEK Meets Your Specific Washer Needs

As you have gone through the extensive guide above, you must have understood the significance of choosing the right washer.

You can connect with us at DEK if you are looking to have custom washers designed for your new project. We offer high-quality and versatile material suggestions followed by an excellent surface finish.

Schlussfolgerung

Washers are used in many applications ranging from plumbing to aerospace, and their criticality also varies based on the application requirements.

Hence, it is always crucial to select the right washer type, material, size, and standard for washers, as discussed in the guide above.

FAQs

How do you use washers quickly?

You can screw the bolt in the washer and insert the washer and bolt together in the mounting hole. You can now twist the bolt head using a wrench.

Why do we use washers with screws?

Washer screws help in sharing the weight, and when used without screws, it can lead to damage to the surface of the bearing.

What’s the difference between spring washers and flat washers?

Spring washers are plain, flat, and curved washers and are widely used in many applications. Spring washers are used to prevent vibrations.