Washers: The Uses and Benefits

Washers serve as a great tool in many industries. These small but mighty components can help you secure a shelf, assemble machinery, and distribute loads for a safe application. 

Today, we will explore the common uses and benefits of washers, highlighting their applications in everyday tasks and specialised industrial applications. 

Stick with us to discover how they can help you in your next DIY project.

What is a Washer?

Washers are flat, disc-shaped plates with a hole in the centre used to distribute the loads of nuts and bolts. 

These are typically round; however, they come in various shapes and sizes for different applications. Flat washers, the most popular type, are used to spread the load across a wider surface area to prevent damage when tightening the fastener. 

Washers are often made from metals like steel, stainless steel, brass, and aluminium, which offer strength and resistance to corrosion. 

The Different Types of Washers

There are a variety of different washers available, each serving their own purpose. The most common types include:

1. Flat washers

This is the most basic type of washer, featuring a flat surface and round or square body. 

Flat washers distribute the load of a fastener over a large area to prevent damage. This includes wooden and plastic surfaces.

2. Spring washers

Spring washers, or lock washers, prevent nuts, bolts, or screws from loosening by providing tension. 

These have a wave, split, or conical shape that allows them to exert continuous pressure on the fastener. The different types of spring washers include:

  • Split lock washers: Through their split or gap design, these exert a spring force on the fastener to keep it from loosening.
  • Wave washers: Ideal for light loads and axial compression, these units have a wave shape that creates a cushioning effect.
  • Belleville washers: These are conical-shaped washers with a high load capacity, utilised in high-load settings, such as electrical connections.

3. Sealing washers

These are designed to create an airtight or watertight seal between a fastener and the surface to prevent leaks. 

Sealing washers are typically used in automotive, plumbing, or electronic equipment. 

  • Rubber washers: Frequently used in plumbing to stop leaks of water.
  • Fibre washers: Frequently used to seal fuel or oil lines in automobiles.
  • Metal sealing washers: These are made of copper or aluminium and are used in high-pressure applications to distribute weight in addition to sealing.

4. Locking washers

One kind of washer that resists slipping under rotational or vibrational stresses is the locking washer. 

These come in several designs, created to grip or lock onto surfaces to prevent the fastener from turning. The most popular types of locking washers include: 

  • Serrated washers (shake proof washers): These feature serrations or tabs that dig into the material, providing resistance to rotation.
  • Nord-lock washers: These use tension to secure bolts. They work in pairs, with cams on one side and radial teeth on the other. 

5. Repair washers

Compared to regular flat washers, repair washers have a bigger outer diameter, providing extra surface area for load distribution.

This makes them perfect for applications requiring more support, such as brittle or damaged materials. 

Repair washers are frequently utilised in heavy-duty applications where the material surrounding the fastener hole is broken or damaged. 

The Key Benefits of Using Washers

There are many benefits to using washers in heavy-duty applications. These benefits include:

  • Load distribution: By spreading the load, flat washers reduce the risk of surface damage and help maintain the integrity of the material over time. This prevents splitting, cracking, and deformation. 
  • Corrosion and damage prevention: Washers act as protective barriers between the fastener and the surface, preventing galvanic corrosion and reducing wear and tear.
  • Sealing and leak prevention: Sealing washers are used to establish an airtight or waterproof seal around fasteners. They can be constructed of soft metals like copper or rubber.
  • Vibration damping: Spring washers, wavy washers, or rubber washers absorb vibrations, preventing fasteners from loosening due to dynamic loads or repeated movements. 
  • Spacing and alignment: Washers ensure proper alignment and clearance between components. This is essential for applications in electronics or machinery. 

Browse High-Quality Washers with Efixings

Whether you're a skilled contractor or a DIY enthusiast, our extensive selection of premium washers guarantees that you'll find the ideal solution for any task.

From stainless steel to zinc-plated washers, we offer products that guarantee superior performance and long-lasting results.

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