As you tighten a bolt, these metric washers flatten to add tension to the threaded joint and prevent loosening from small amounts of vibration. All of these washers meet a DIN or ASME standard for split lock washer dimensions.

Standard split lock washers have a left-hand helix, which means you can only use them with bolts that have right-hand threads to prevent clockwise rotation from vibration. When tightened, their uneven split ends bite into unhardened nuts and bolts for a tighter hold than curved or wave washers, but only for applications with clockwise rotation. The washers, nuts, and bolts will be deformed when untightened, so none of them can be reused. Do not use these washers on hardened surfaces.

Curved and wave split lock washers can be used with bolts that have right- or left-hand threads to prevent clockwise or counterclockwise rotation from vibration. Although they don’t grip as tight as standard split lock washers for applications with clockwise rotation, they are best for those with counterclockwise rotation. These washers retain their shape when untightened and will not damage nuts and bolts, so all can be reused. Wave washers grip tighter than curved washers because they make contact with your surface at more points. Their wave design also means they compensate for uneven surfaces and tolerance variations.

Stainless steel washers are more corrosion resistant than steel, and nearly as strong. 18-8 stainless steel washers are good for humid, damp, and washdown environments, but will corrode when exposed to salt water and other chlorine solutions. 316 stainless steel washers have the best corrosion resistance. They stand up to wet environments, just like 18-8 stainless steel washers, but unlike 18-8 stainless steel, they resist corrosion caused by salt water, chlorine solutions, and chemicals.

Use zinc-plated and yellow zinc-plated steel washers in mostly dry environments. The zinc plating offers temporary rust protection, but once it wears away the steel will rust. All of these washers are stronger and more wear resistant than stainless steel.

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Also known as high-collar lock washers, these have smaller outside diameters than standard split lock washers to fit neatly under socket head cap screws. As a screw is tightened, they flatten to add tension to the joint and prevent loosening from small amounts of vibration.

18-8 stainless steel washers have good chemical resistance and may be mildly magnetic.

316 stainless steel washers have excellent resistance to chemicals and salt water. They may be mildly magnetic.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Teeth on the outside edge of these washers bite into the screw head and joint for a tight grip. Use with fasteners that have heads large enough to make contact with the teeth, such as pan, button, and binding head screws.

Zinc-plated steel washers are corrosion resistant in wet environments.

18-8 stainless steel washers have good chemical resistance and may be mildly magnetic.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Internal teeth dig into the screw head while the smooth outside edge won't snag objects. These washers provide greater vibration resistance than split lock washers. Use with fasteners that have small heads, such as fillister and cheese head screws.

18-8 stainless steel washers have good chemical resistance and may be mildly magnetic.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

These washers have smaller outside diameters than standard spring lock washers to fit neatly under socket head cap screws. Also known as conical washers, these have a slightly cupped shape that gives them spring-like flexibility to grip tighter than split and tooth lock washers. They minimize loosening from wear, temperature changes, and vibration. Serrations on the top and bottom provide extra gripping power. Load-rated Belleville disc springs are also available.

18-8 stainless steel washers have good chemical resistance and may be mildly magnetic.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Bend the tab of these metric lock washers against the flats of a hex nut or bolt head to prevent the fastener and washer from turning and loosening due to vibration, wear, or changes in temperature. Their partial cone shape gives these washers spring-like flexibility, so they distribute force and grip tighter than split and tooth lock washers. All meet DIN 432, an international standard for tab washer dimensions.

Steel washers resist wear better than 316 stainless steel, but aren’t as corrosion resistant.

316 stainless steel washers are more corrosion resistant than steel, and nearly as strong. You can expose them to salt water, chlorine solutions, and chemicals without any rusting.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

These washers withstand harsh chemicals such as acetic acid and isopropyl alcohol. They create a light duty seal around fasteners to prevent fluids from leaking and damp vibration.

Fluorosilicone washers withstand a wider range of temperatures and are more chemical resistant than Santoprene washers.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.