Buying Guide for Flat Washers
Flat washers are thin, flat discs that are used to distribute load and prevent fasteners from pulling through materials. They are also used as spacers, shims, and gaskets. Flat washers come in a variety of sizes and materials, including steel, stainless steel, brass, and nylon. You can check out Amazon for some of the exclusive selection of product available at great prices.
Benefits of Flat Washers
Prevents Loosening
Flat washers help to prevent loosening by helping to distribute the load of a fastened joint. They also act as spacers, shims, or sealants.
Reduces Damage
Flat washers are a versatile and commonly used fastener. They are typically used to distribute loads of threaded bolts, screws and nuts and are placed under the head of the bolt or screw. Flat washers protect surfaces by preventing the fastener fromdamage.
Prevents Movement
Flat washers help to prevent movement by provided a more even distribution of pressure. When you tighten a fastener, such as a nut or a bolt, the force is not evenly distributed. This can cause the fastener to loosen over time. A flat washer helps to spread the force out more evenly, which prevents the fastener from coming loose.
Keeps Things Tightened
Flat washers are flat discs that are placed under the head of a screw or bolt. They help to distribute the load and prevent the screw or bolt from pulling through the material.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Flat Washers
Size
Size does matter when buying a flat washer. If the washer is too small, it could fall out or break. If the washer is too large, it could cause the bolt or screw to loosen.
Type of Material
When looking for a flat washer, the type of material is an important consideration. Common materials used for flat washers include stainless steel, brass, and bronze. Each material has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. For example, stainless steel is very strong and resistant to corrosion, but it is also very costly. Brass is less expensive than stainless steel, but it is not as strong and is susceptible to corrosion.
Shank Size
The Shank Size is the diameter of the screw or bolt that the washer is meant to fit. Buying the wrong size washer is a common mistake that can cause installation problems. It is important to measure the shank diameter of the screw or bolt you are using before purchasing a washer.
Thickness
The thickness of a flat washer matters because it needs to be able to withstand the weight and pressure of the fastener it is used with. If the washer is too thin, it could break or bend under the pressure, which could cause the fastener to come loose.
Conclusion
A flat washer is a thin plate with a hole in the center, typically used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or nut. Other uses are as a spacer, spring (Belleville washer, wave washer), wear pad, preload indicating device, locking device, and to reduce vibration (rubber washer). Flat washers are usually made of steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, nylon or other non-ferrous metals. To know your buying choices, head over to our featured section. We review and recommend leading products based on its sizes, thickness, and material.
