Everything About Lock Washers

Washers are a popular form of hardware component for assemblies, generally being used alongside a nut or threaded fastener to distribute loads, protect surfaces, act as a spacer, and to perform other such roles. The abilities of a particular washer are based on its design and intended application, making it crucial that you have a basic understanding of common options. For example, lock washers are used in a wide variety of applications, and you may have even used one without knowing if you commonly work on assemblies for hobbies, home maintenance, or work. In this blog, we will discuss lock washers in more detail, allowing you to have a better understanding of their functionality and potential uses.

While the most basic washers are only intended to be used as a fastener load distributor, lock washers surpass the abilities of general-purpose options with their capability to secure fasteners in place. In certain applications and settings where vibrational forces are common, there is a risk that threaded fasteners will begin to loosen over time. To prevent these fasteners from coming apart and jeopardizing the integrity of an assembly, it is crucial that there is a form of locking element that can secure everything in place. As such, lock washers may be relied on to fill this role.

The way in which a lock washer secures components will vary based on the type you procure, and common options include split, high collar, external serrated, internal serrated, and Belleville washers. With a split lock washer, the typical circular form of the component is split so that two opposed edges are provided, each of which will dig into the side of a joint to create friction. Oftentimes, these washers find use in instances where a lightly torqued bolt is paired with a soft material. While high collar lock washers have some similarities to split lock washers, they are thicker and springier. This means that they are able to handle higher torque loads.

External serrated washers often look like conventional washers, differing in the presence of teeth that line their edges. With a serrated edge, a high collar lock washer can dig into materials to create enough friction to hold everything together. These options are most often used for appliances, electrical connections, and HVAC systems. With internal serrated washers, the teeth are on the inside of the washer instead of the outside. While still creating friction to secure parts, internal serrated washers are best for smaller head bolts or when visuals are important.

As the final type, Belleville washers are conically shaped washers that are devoid of any splits or serrations. With a more conical shape, Belleville washers are more springy upon having a load applied to them. This allows for the washer to protect the preload of the bolt while deterring bolt creep. As Belleville washers lack any sort of split or serration, they are quite useful for applications where one wishes to protect the surface of a working material.

With a better understanding of lock washers and their subtypes, you can best ensure that you procure an optimal fit for your applications. As you explore our various offerings, take note of items of interest so that you may request a quote for your comparisons through our online RFQ service. Once we have received and reviewed your request, a member of our staff will reach out to provide a solution that has been tailored to meet your needs and restrictions alike. Get in touch with an industry representative today if you would like to learn more, and we are always just a call or email away from serving as your strategic sourcing partner for all your operational needs.


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