Types of Lock Washers and their Use

Washers are essential supplies in construction projects and transport industries. They have been in use for years and are widely used for fastening loose bolts and nuts. What’s more? Washers are potent tools for professionals working on repairs or fixing plumbing and mechanical issues. They help maintain nuts in a tight position over time, and you’ll get different types of washers in the market.

Types of Lock Washers

1. Flat washers

Also known as plain lock washers, they are positioned under a bolt head to provide a uniform bearing surface and spread the fastener load in an extensive area. This then minimizes contact stress and limits relaxation. The primary role of a flat washer is to increase the surface area of the screw’s bearing. It also lessens the pressure on the fastened object.

In most cases, loosening happens when the bearing surface is exposed to a lot of pressure, and a flat washer helps reduce the pressure. Flat washers come in distinct shapes, diameters, and thicknesses and you can always get one to suit your requirements.

2. Conical spring washers

Conical spring washers are cone-shaped shells that are loaded statistically or dynamically along the axis. They can flatten one-half of the load on the screw, thanks to their design. Conical washers are used alongside bolts and screws to enhance the elasticity of the joint and screw take-up.

There are two categories of conical spring washers; these are the H and L designs. Type L conical washers are used for unhardened screws, while the type H series is excellent for hardened screws.

3. Automotive washer fasteners

Automotive washers are commonly used and occupy a significant percentage of the total market share. They are handy for auto operations and come in distinct types, like bolts, rivets, nuts, studs, hub blots, and more. All the types of fasteners function in the same way to combine and hold objects together.

Automotive washer fasteners feature very tiny plates with holes at the center. The openings hold the load of the automotive bolt, which is usually placed beneath the nut. They help in dispersing pressure and checking leakage.

4. Tooth lock washers

Tooth lock washers work alongside screws and nuts to increase spring take-up and enhance frictional resistance under the screw head. They use friction and strut action of their teeth to prevent bolted joints from loosening. These washers feature multiple serrations which extend outward to offer a firm grip to the bearing surface. Tooth lock washers work excellently on larger screws or bolt heads.

5. Split lock washers

Split lock washers are also known as helical spring washers and are commonly used in commercial applications. Split washers are made of hardened carbon steel and act like springs when you minimize the bolt tension. They help maintain the bolt tension and minimize scratching on the machine surface.

Final thoughts

There are different types of lock washers in the market. Understand the types of washers and their uses, and choose the right one for your requirements. Moreover, shop from legitimate manufacturers and dealers, and go for high-quality products.