
- Split Lock Washer. Split lock washers are non-continuous rings that tilt each end slightly outside in opposite directions.
- External Tooth Washer. This type of lock washer has many teeth on its outer diameter that cut into a surface and maintain compression.
- Internal Tooth Washer. This type of lock washer consists of many teeth on the inside diameter that cut into the nut or bolt.
- Split lock washers. Lock fasteners into place. Non-continuous.
- External tooth lock washers. Ideal for wide-headed fasteners. Teeth on outer diameter of washer.
- Internal tooth lock washers. Ideal for shallow-headed fasteners. Teeth on inner diameter of washer.
How to properly use a lock washer?
- Use a socket or adjustable wrench to remove the nut from the bolt
- Use a flathead screwdriver to pull the lock washer off
- If it doesn’t move, work around the circumference of the washer with the screwdriver to loosen it.
What is the correct use of a lock washer?
Types of Washers
- Spring Washer This washer is in the shape of a ring cut by spring steel. Its ends are slightly raised up and down due to spring tension. ...
- Lock Washer This form of lock washer is used to lock the nuts and bolts. These are many forms. ...
- Plain Washer
How do you use a lock washer?
Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Removing Lock Washers
- Remove the nut or threaded fastener holding the washer in place. ...
- Pry the lock washer off with a flat screwdriver. If you’re removing a split washer, place the screwdriver head beneath the washer or inside the split and push.
- Spray the washer with lubricant if you can’t get it off. ...
- Throw away worn out washers. ...
When and why you should use a spring lock washer?
When you want to increase the surface area of a surface so that force is distributed more evenly when you tighten a fastener, you use a flat washer. On the other hand, lock washers are more useful when you want to increase tension when you are tightening something, so that the nuts or bolts do not come loose after you are done.

What are the different types of lock washers?
Lock washers are available in two basic types: spring action or split washers and tooth washers.Split lock washers are helical-shaped split rings. ... Internal use lock washers have teeth made to bite into the nut/screw head and surface it contacts.More items...
What are the 4 types of washers?
Following are the types of washers, as per their utility and functions:Split lock washer.External tooth lock washer.Internal tooth lock washer.
What is the most common type of lock washer?
helical lock washerLock washers provide extra security against vibration and torque, locking the bolt firmly in place. The most common type of lock washer is a helical lock washer, also known as a split washer. It looks like a ring with two uneven ends offset from one another. These ends bite into the fastener, keeping it from turning.
What are different types of washers used for?
What are the different types of washers?Type of WasherDescriptionCountersunkAllows flat or oval head countersunk screws to be flushFenderLarge outside diameter provides extra wide bearing surfaceFlatThe most common type of washer, with two flat surfacesSealingMade of relatively soft materials7 more rows•Dec 31, 2017
What is a CS washer?
C-washers obtain their name for being in the shape of a “C” as they have a slot cut from the center to the perimeter allowing the washer to be removed, replaced or inserted without completely removing the fasteners. .
What are the three major types of washers used in the mechanical assemblies?
Here are the three different types of washers according to their construction and applications.Plain Washer.Spring Washer.Lock Washer.
What is Nord-Lock washer?
Nord-Lock washers secure bolts with tension instead of friction. The system cannot loosen unintentionally as it creates a wedge-effect underneath the bolt head or nut. The system comprises of a pair of wedge-lock washers with cams on one side and radial teeth on the opposite side.
What is the difference between a lock washer and a flat washer?
In Conclusion Flat and lock washers are two of the most common types of washers. A flat washer is a basic washer that's flat on both sides. A lock washer is a semi-coiled washer that's used to secure bolts in place.
What is the difference between a flat washer and a spring washer?
Plain washers are flat, whereas spring washers are curved. For most applications, plain washers are typically used. For machines and objects that vibrate, spring washers are recommended. Spring washers are unique because they provide an axial load that counters vibrations and, thus, prevents fasteners from loosening.
Why are washers used?
Load Distribution The primary purpose of most washers is to evenly distribute the load of the threaded fastener with which they are used. Threaded fasteners stress the material in which they are driven. Driving a screw into wood, for example, may cause the wood to crack around the surface.
Which type of lock washer is used with bolts and cap screws?
Split RingLock Washers - Split Ring. Split ring lock washers are used to prevent nuts, bolts and screws from vibrating loose. These washers are rings which are split at one point and bent into a helical shape.
What is the name of washer?
Washing machines are manufactured by numerous companies around the world. Some of the most well-known include Frigidaire, LG, General Electric, Samsung and Whirlpool.
What Are Lock Washers?
As shown in the adjacent photo, lock washers are circular-shaped fasteners. They are available in different styles. Some of them are split. Known as split lock washers, they are cut or split open. Other lock washers have inner- or outer-facing teeth.
How Lock Washers Work
You might be wondering how lock washers work exactly? While they are available in different styles, they all work in a similar way. When installed, lock washers exert a downward force towards the surface of the object in which they are installed. This force helps to secure the bolt in the respective object so that it doesn’t loosen.
In Conclusion
Not all washers consist of a solid ring of metal. Some of them are cut or split open, whereas others have inner- or outer-facing teeth. Washers in one of these alternative styles are known as lock washers. Lock washers are designed to protect bolts from loosening. In aerospace applications, bolts are oftentimes exposed to vibrations.
What is an external tooth lock washer?
The external tooth lock washer prevents a fastener head from loosening by using the strut action of the teeth.
What is a fender washer?
The fender washers are flat washers with a small hole and outside relatively large diameter. Hence this type of plain washer gives loads over a relatively larger area than flat washers.
Why do you use washers on nut bolts?
It is used to secure the tightness of a joint, screw, etc. and it becomes easy to open the nut-bolts and their threads are protected. Even if the fitted is a bit larger than the diameter of the bolt, with the washers help nut bolt can be tightened easily. Also, check out the different types of nut and bolts used in industries.
What is the best way to lock nuts and bolts?
2. Lock Washer. This form of lock washers are used to lock the nuts and bolts. These are many forms. Generally six or more leaves are extended beyond the main diameter of the lock washer. After fixing this washer its leaves are bent on the sides of the nut or bolt.
What is a spring washer?
Spring Washer. This washer is in the shape of a ring cut by spring steel. Its ends are slightly raised up and down due to spring tension. These washers are placed above or below the nut or bolt and tighten so much that both their ends face each other and becomes leveled.
What is flat plain washer?
The flat plain washers are thin, flat, and circular in shape with a hole in the center. Flat plain washer application is intended to give the load over a relatively large area and give support to small head screws. It is also known as Type A plain washers. A flat washer is what most people think of a normal washer.
What is a C washer?
C-Washer. These look like a flat washer, however, it has a slot cut from the center hole to form a “C” shape. A C-washer is made to slide in and out of place on the bolt or shaft. The C-Washer used at any time may need to be adjusted or replaced, without removing the fastener.
How Does A Lock Washer Work
The purpose of a locking washer is to hold a nut in place, but how does it work? These unique pieces of hardware do a completely different job from a typical washer to work together. However, it is essential to use them in the correct order.
What Types of Locking Washers Are There
There are five main types of locking washers. Some are specialty pieces like the Wedge lock washers, and others are more generalist, like the spring style. The shapes vary significantly, but every one of the locking washers on the list below can help secure your screws, bolts, standard washers, and nuts in place.
When to Use Locking Washers
There are several times when a lock washer is a perfect accompaniment to your project. First, household appliances, particularly washers and dryers, tend to vibrate and move a lot. By adding tension to your nuts, they are less likely to work themselves loose.
How Not To Use Lock Washers
A locking washer can help secure most projects, even though they are more common in the transportation industries. That said, there are times when you should never use lock washers. For example, when a screw or nut doesn’t fit properly because it is too large or too small, no amount of tension will make it safe.
Final Thoughts
Choose a locking washer when you’re concerned about vibration or loose hardware. You will often see these on marine equipment because a failed screw and nut on the water could turn into a life or death situation quickly. Fortunately, while there are a million great uses for lock washers, you won’t always need them.
