Selecting Fastening Washers: All There Is to Know
Posted on: 30 March 2021
Washers play a crucial role in many fastening applications. Besides their standard function of helping secure bolts, rivets, screws, nuts and more, washers are also beneficial for sealing, insulation, alignment and load or pressure distribution applications, among many others. However, fastening washers are available in many different types, and you will hardly find one that suits all applications. Therefore, knowing a thing or two about the different types and what to look for can go a long way in helping you narrow down your options. With that in mind, here are a few essential tips to help you in your selection.
Understand the Main Types Available
Many applications require fastening washers, which is why you will find them in several different styles and types designed for those specific applications. However, most of these types tend to fall into certain primary categories, which you should know when choosing the washers to understand what would work best for you. Plain washers, for instance, are among the standard options you will come across in the markets. Generally, plain washers are designed to spread a fastener's load or weight and protect it from being damaged. Wall washers, flat washers and repair washers are some of the plain washer types.
On the other hand, if you need to secure your fastening washers firmly in place, consider locking washers. They are ideal for applications that involve lots of movement or vibrations that could otherwise cause plain washers to become loose over time. If you want enhanced flexibility with your locking washers, go for spring washers.
Consider the Washer Material
Fastening washers also come in different material types such as metal, rubber and plastic. Each material has its pros and cons and works best depending on the application. Therefore, it's always best to consider the environment in which you intend to use the washers. For instance, metallic fastening washers tend to work best where fatigue resistance is necessary because they are sturdier. The type of metal also matters. For instance, you will be better off with stainless steel or aluminium alloy fastening washers if you plan to use them in a corrosive environment.
Non-metallic fastening washers are usually ideal for lighter loads or applications in which metallic fasteners could be too aggressive and cause potential damage to the surfaces. They are also generally less expensive, but this often depends on the application. Non-metallic washers like plastic and rubber also don't create sparks, which is ideal for applications that may involve vibrations. You may consider plastic for outdoor or wet applications because it performs well against moisture or water.
For more information about fastening washers, contact a company like Illawarra Fasteners Pty Ltd.
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