Washers

For the Trade

Start with the fixing and the space you’ve got. Then decide whether you need simple spacing, a wider bearing face, or something that keeps the joint settled. The call usually comes down to head size, hole size, and whether the fixing is going into timber, sheet, or a softer face that can crush. Stainless steel washers are the usual pick where corrosion is a concern. Zinc plated or galvanised options suit less exposed work. If the joint keeps moving, you need a different answer than if you just want a clean, even seat.

Washer Options Compared

Flat washers are the everyday pick when you just need load spread and a clean bearing face. Penny washers and fender washers come in when the hole’s too generous or the material is softer and you want more coverage.

Spring washers still get used where you want a bit of resistance against working loose, but they’re not the answer to every vibration problem. For more exposed jobs, stainless steel washers usually get the nod. Zinc plated and galvanised washers are more common on lighter-duty work where you’re balancing cost against exposure.

If you’re matching the rest of the fixings, keep the Nuts, Bolts & Washers range in view.

Choosing Materials and Size

Material is usually the first call. Stainless steel washers suit jobs that need a firmer face and better day-to-day durability, but you do carry a bit more weight in the bag than with lighter options.

Mild steel washers are the cheaper, everyday pick where the fixing isn’t taking much abuse. They’re fine for lighter duty work, but they’re not the first choice if the job is going to see harder use.

Rubber washers are the one to use when you need a bit of give or sealing rather than just a hard bearing face. They change how the fixing behaves, not just how it looks.

Size still matters as much as the material, so check the bolt and the hole before you order. If you’re buying with the rest of the fixings, Bolts and Multipacks are usually the next two decisions.

Completing the Setup

Once you’ve picked the washers, the next call is what else is going into the fixing run and what finish the job needs around it. If you’re building out the assembly, bolts are the obvious follow-on. Check the head style and length before you order the rest. A washer won’t make up for the wrong bolt spec.

For bigger quantities, multipacks usually make more sense than piecing it together. They keep the same size across the job and cut down on mixed boxes and a return trip.