We have them in variety but both of them play a big role in the fastening components we use. These small pieces are present in various locations both in tools, pieces of furniture, and also toys. These are typically found sandwiched between two nuts or bolts. Their job is to help keep these nuts and bolts fastened and prevent them from loosening over time, which can be critical for safety and function.
Spring washers This special type of washer does even more to help. They have continuous load on the nut or bolt to prevent loosening. This continuous force serves like a “lock” that holds the fastener tight — particularly under strong vibration or heavy loads. If you have a bicycle, you may have experience of the spring washers preventing the bolts on your wheels from getting loose when riding on bumpy roads.
Now there are various types of washers, and each of them has a different shape and purpose. The type of washer that you will most likely encounter is – flat washers. They help distribute the weight from the nut or bolt over a larger area, which reduces rubbing or friction that causes wear and tear. Toothed washers, which have tiny teeth that grip the surface and prevent the washer from turning when it shouldn’t, are another type. Next, they have wave washers, which are designed to flex a small amount when force is applied. This flexing helps dissipate shock and shields other components from impact.
Selecting The Right Size & Material For Your Job When it comes to selecting washers and spring washers, be sure to select the correct size and material for your particular job. Washer size: The washer size should correspond with the nut or bolt size that it will be used with. Too small or too big of a washer won’t do its job well. For example, the washer should be made of the right material depending on the application. Stainless steel washers, for example, are frequently used in wet or rusty conditions because they resist rusting and damage, which may be significant over time.
Although washers & spring washers are very uncomplicated things, they can lead to huge amounts of trouble, in case they are NOT installed the proper way. One of the biggest mistakes is using not enough washers or placing them incorrectly. This can lead to uneven weight distribution, if some arms, or some parts of it, tends to wear out faster and earlier, this will cause bending, or even breakage of parts. We can also make the mistake of reusing old or damaged washers. Reusing these can render them ineffective, and can cause failure earlier than anticipated, which can be dangerously alarming.