Spring Washers

About Spring Washers

Spring washers are essential fastening components designed to prevent nuts and bolts from loosening due to vibration, thermal expansion, or mechanical stress. These specialised washers feature a split ring design with a helical shape that creates tension when compressed, maintaining constant pressure on the fastener assembly. The spring action compensates for any settlement or relaxation in the joint over time, ensuring a secure and reliable connection in demanding applications.

Tooled-Up.com stocks spring washers in various materials to suit different environments and requirements. The range includes A2 304 stainless steel spring washers for general corrosion resistance, A4 316 stainless steel variants for marine and chemical environments, and zinc-plated steel options for cost-effective indoor applications. These washers are manufactured to exacting standards with square-section profiles that distribute load evenly and provide optimal grip on fastener surfaces.

Available from leading manufacturers including Sirius and Timco, spring washers at Tooled-Up are suitable for mechanical assemblies, structural fixings, automotive applications, and general engineering projects. Their simple yet effective design makes them indispensable in any professional toolkit or workshop, providing reliable locking action without the need for chemical threadlockers or complex locking mechanisms.

Jargon Buster

A2 304 Stainless Steel

An austenitic stainless steel grade offering good corrosion resistance for general indoor and outdoor use. Suitable for most non-marine environments and food-grade applications.

A4 316 Stainless Steel

A marine-grade stainless steel with enhanced corrosion resistance due to molybdenum content. Ideal for coastal environments, chemical processing, and applications exposed to chlorides or acidic conditions.

Square Section

A washer profile where the cross-section is square rather than round, providing greater surface area contact and improved grip to prevent rotation and loosening.

Helical Design

The characteristic split and twisted shape of spring washers that creates spring tension when compressed, generating the locking action that prevents fastener loosening.

Trivalent Chromium Zinc Plating

An environmentally-friendly zinc coating process that provides corrosion protection whilst complying with RoHS and REACH regulations. Offers a clear or yellow-passivated finish.

Load Distribution

The spreading of clamping force across the washer surface area, preventing localised stress concentrations that could damage components or reduce joint integrity.

Who Uses Spring Washers?

Spring washers are essential components for a wide range of trades and industries:

• Mechanical Engineers – assembling machinery, equipment, and mechanical systems requiring vibration-resistant fastenings
• Automotive Technicians – repairing and maintaining vehicles where vibration and thermal cycling demand secure fastener retention
• Fabricators and Welders – securing structural assemblies and framework connections
• Electricians – fixing electrical enclosures, switchgear, and motor terminal connections
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers – securing pipework brackets, pumps, and boiler components
• Maintenance Technicians – performing preventive and reactive maintenance across industrial facilities
• Construction Professionals – installing structural fixings, temporary works, and site equipment
• Agricultural Engineers – maintaining farm machinery and equipment exposed to constant vibration
• DIY Enthusiasts – undertaking home improvements, furniture assembly, and general repairs
• Marine Engineers – working on boats, ships, and offshore structures requiring corrosion-resistant fasteners

How to Choose the Right Spring Washers

Selecting appropriate spring washers requires consideration of several key factors:

Material Selection: Choose A2 304 stainless steel for general-purpose applications with moderate corrosion exposure. Opt for A4 316 marine-grade stainless steel for coastal, marine, or chemically aggressive environments. Zinc-plated steel offers economical protection for indoor or dry applications where stainless steel isn't essential.

Size Compatibility: Ensure the internal diameter matches your bolt size and the external diameter fits within your component clearances. Spring washers should sit comfortably beneath the nut or bolt head without overhanging edges that could reduce effectiveness.

Load Requirements: Consider the clamping forces involved in your application. Square-section washers provide superior load distribution and grip compared to round-section alternatives, making them preferable for high-stress applications.

Environmental Conditions: Evaluate exposure to moisture, chemicals, temperature extremes, and vibration levels. Marine environments demand A4 316 stainless steel, whilst indoor machinery might function perfectly well with zinc-plated options.

Regulatory Compliance: For specific industries, verify that washers meet relevant British Standards (BS) or European Norms (EN). Trivalent chromium plating ensures compliance with environmental regulations including RoHS and REACH directives.

Quantity Requirements: Spring washers are typically supplied in bulk quantities. Calculate your project needs accounting for spares, and consider standardising on fewer sizes to simplify inventory management.

Popular Accessories

• Hex Nuts – essential fasteners that work in conjunction with spring washers to create secure assemblies
• Bolts and Screws – the primary fasteners requiring spring washer installation
• Flat Washers – often used alongside spring washers to distribute load over larger surface areas
• Lock Nuts – nylon-insert or all-metal locking nuts providing additional security in critical applications
• Thread-Locking Compound – chemical supplements for extreme vibration environments requiring maximum security
• Socket Sets – professional tools for installing and tightening fastener assemblies
• Torque Wrenches – precision tools ensuring correct fastener tension without over-compression
• Spanner Sets – essential hand tools for mechanical assembly work
• Parts Organisers – storage solutions for keeping different washer sizes separated and accessible

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between spring washers and lock washers?

Spring washers are a type of lock washer. The term "lock washer" encompasses various designs including spring washers, toothed washers, and tab washers, all intended to prevent loosening. Spring washers specifically use helical tension to maintain clamping force, making them particularly effective against vibration-induced loosening.

Can spring washers be reused?

Whilst spring washers can sometimes be reused if undamaged, best practice recommends replacing them during reassembly. The spring action gradually weakens with each compression cycle, and critical applications should always receive new washers to ensure maximum locking effectiveness and safety.

Should spring washers go under the bolt head or the nut?

Spring washers typically go under the component that rotates during tightening – usually the nut. However, they can be placed under bolt heads when nuts are fixed or inaccessible. In critical applications, some engineers use spring washers under both the nut and bolt head for enhanced security.

Why choose stainless steel over zinc-plated spring washers?

Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance for outdoor, marine, or chemically aggressive environments. Zinc plating provides adequate protection for indoor applications at lower cost. A2 304 stainless steel suits most general applications, whilst A4 316 marine-grade is essential for coastal or chloride-exposed installations.

Are spring washers suitable for high-temperature applications?

Stainless steel spring washers maintain their properties at elevated temperatures better than zinc-plated alternatives, where the coating may degrade. However, extreme temperatures can affect spring tension in any material. For applications exceeding 200°C, consult manufacturer specifications and consider specialist high-temperature fastening solutions.