Complete Guide to Washers: Types, Material, and Size Chart

Complete Guide to Washers: Types, Material, and Size Chart

Manufacturers utilize various types of washers for assembling and fastening parts. In the following sections, we will explore different types of washers and their specific applications.

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Plain Washers

Plain washers are among the most commonly used types. They distribute force evenly and protect the surface to which the screw or nut is attached, ensuring a proper fit in larger holes. The following are some types of plain washers:

Torque Washer

Torque washers are primarily used in the woodworking sector. They feature square holes that prevent the adjacent bolt from spinning when a nut is tightened.

Flat Washer

Featuring a central hole and a flat, disc-like shape, flat washers are excellent for smaller head screws as they distribute the load over a wider area.

Fender Washer

Bigger than standard washers, fender washers include a small central hole and are used in sheet metal fabrication, automotive fenders, and plumbing to spread the load across a larger surface area.

Finishing or Countersunk Washer

Countersunk washers allow for a controlled flush finish when installed with flat-head screws, thanks to their recessed tops designed specifically for this application.

Shoulder Washer

Manufactured from materials like PTFE, fiberglass, metal, and nylon, shoulder washers are shaped to act as insulators for wires and screws, enhancing safety and performance.

C-Washer

C-washers are similar to flat washers but feature a C-shaped cut-out in the center. This design allows for adjustment and modification without needing to remove the entire fastener.

Spring Washers

Spring washers are ideal for machinery experiencing significant vibration during operation. Their axial flexibility helps maintain tightness, preventing components from loosening. Various types of spring washers include:

Belleville or Conical Washer

Known for maintaining tension, Belleville washers accommodate thermal expansion and contraction in assemblies while easily supporting heavy loads with minimal deflection.

Dome Spring Washer

Dome washers are recognized for their high load capacity and minimal deflection, capable of absorbing vibrations and flattening surfaces effectively.

Wave Spring Washer

Wave spring washers, characterized by their double curvature, serve as cushions or spacers and can support moderate weights while protecting against material wear.

Finger Spring Washer

Constructed from carbon steel, finger spring washers comprise three curved flanges to mitigate vibrations and reduce wear on rotating machinery parts.

Crescent Spring Washer

The crescent spring washer has a slightly curved contour, which offers lighter pressure while retaining flexibility. They're designed for a broad deflection range and light load capabilities.

Lock Washers

Lock washers help prevent fasteners from rotating loose, especially under intense vibrations. They provide secure fastening by holding screws and nuts tightly in place against friction. Common types include:

Split Lock Washer

The split lock washer, or helical washer, features a non-continuous ring bent in opposing directions to create tension and grip against the fastener, keeping it securely in place.

External Tooth Lock Washer

Using a series of teeth on the outer diameter, external tooth lock washers prevent nut or screw heads from loosening, particularly effective for larger-headed fasteners by offering superior compression resistance.

Internal Tooth Lock Washer

The internal tooth lock washer has teeth positioned on its inner diameter, designed to lock shallow-head fasteners into place while reducing noise and shock.

Specialized Washers

Specialized washers do not neatly fit into the previous categories. Here’s more about them:

Keps Nut

Also known as K-lock nuts, these integrate washers that facilitate the spinning process, enhancing assembly efficiency.

Top Hat Washers

Commonly used in plumbing applications, top hat washers are great for tap repairs or installations.

Keyed Washers

Keyed washers help prevent bolts from rotating, primarily utilized in automotive applications and equipped with an internal tab to hold parts like shafts in place.

Insulating Shoulder Washer

Usually made from nylon, peek, or other insulating materials, insulating shoulder washers are utilized in electrical applications to isolate mounting screws from current.

Gaskets

Gaskets or O-rings, often made of rubber, serve as mechanical seals that prevent leaks between surfaces under pressure. They're vital in automotive applications, especially around oil and gas connections.

Gaskets can also be made from light metals, ensuring a tight seal against varying temperatures and pressures, thus preventing leakage of gases and liquids.