Flat Bearing Support on Angled Steel Surfaces

Bolting through an angled surface creates a problem a standard flat washer can't always solve. Securefix Tapered Washers are shaped to compensate for that angle, helping provide a flatter bearing surface beneath a bolt head or nut.

Made from mild steel, Securefix tapered washers are available in selected diameters & finishes for engineering, fabrication, structural steelwork, machinery & maintenance applications where the mating surface isn't square to the fastener.

The principle is simple: instead of forcing a bolt head or nut to bear unevenly against a sloping face, the tapered profile helps create a more suitable seating surface.

For general nuts, flat washers, spring washers & related hardware, browse Nuts & Washers.

Why Would a Washer Need to Be Tapered?

Picture a bolt passing through a steel section where the surface beneath the bolt head or nut isn't flat.

A conventional flat washer follows that surface.

The bolt head or nut can then sit at an angle rather than bearing squarely.

A tapered washer introduces a wedge-shaped profile between those surfaces. The taper compensates for the angle & provides a flatter bearing face for the fastening arrangement.

Securefix tapered washers are designed to provide a flat bearing surface beneath a bolt head or nut while helping disperse load & prevent turning during fastening.

That makes the shape of the washer the important feature — not simply the hole diameter.

For compatible bolt options, explore Hex Bolts.

Flat Washer vs Tapered Washer – What's the Difference?

They may sit in a similar position within a bolted joint but they solve different problems.

A tapered washer shouldn't be selected simply because a flat washer isn't available.

Its geometry needs to correspond with the joint being assembled.

If the mating face is already appropriately flat & square to the fastener, a conventional washer may be the more suitable option.

For general washer requirements, browse  Flat Washer.

The Surface Tells You What the Fastener Needs

Before selecting hardware, look at where the nut or bolt head will actually sit.

Ask:

Is the bearing face flat?

Is there a noticeable slope?

Does the fastener pass through a steel section with an angled face?

Will the nut or bolt head seat evenly when tightened?

Does the drawing, manufacturer or engineering specification nominate a tapered washer?

Those questions matter because fastener diameter alone doesn't determine washer suitability.

The washer needs to work with the fastener, mating surface & complete joint arrangement.

For broader fastening options, browse Bolts & Fasteners.

Black or Galvanised? Match the Finish to the Environment

Securefix offers tapered mild-steel washers in different finishes across selected sizes.

Black Finish

Black-finish tapered washers provide an option for suitable internal applications where that finish matches the requirements of the fastening arrangement.

Galvanised Finish

Selected Securefix tapered washers are available with a galvanised finish, providing an option where additional corrosion protection is required.

That makes finish selection more than a question of appearance.

Consider:

► Indoor or outdoor installation
► Moisture exposure
► Corrosive conditions
► Surrounding fastener finish
► Maintenance requirements
► Project specifications
► Compatibility with the complete assembly

Don't assume every finish can be substituted freely. Where a project, drawing or manufacturer specifies the washer material, finish or dimensions, follow those requirements.

For fastening components used alongside washers, explore  Hex Nut.

Don't Judge a Tapered Washer From the Top

Viewed from above, it can look deceptively simple.

The important feature becomes obvious from the side.

One face differs in relation to the other, creating the taper needed to compensate for the mating surface.

When identifying a replacement washer, check more than the nominal diameter.

► Confirm the fastener diameter
► Inspect the taper orientation
► Check the dimensions
► Identify the material
► Confirm the required finish
► Examine the steel surface it will bear against
► Check the original component where available
► Refer to drawings or equipment specifications where required

Substituting an ordinary flat washer because the centre hole happens to fit can defeat the reason the tapered component was used in the first place.

For other specialised fixing requirements, browse  Specialty Fasteners.

Where Do Tapered Washers Make Sense?

These aren't general-purpose washers for every toolbox.

Their value appears when the geometry of the joint calls for them.

Structural Steel Assemblies

Steel sections can present angled bearing faces where the correct tapered washer helps provide a more suitable seating surface.

Fabrication Work

Fabricated assemblies may incorporate sections or surfaces where the fastener doesn't naturally meet a flat face.

Machinery Maintenance

When replacing existing tapered washers on machinery or equipment, matching the original dimensions & specification helps preserve the intended fastening arrangement.

Industrial Repairs

Maintenance teams may encounter specialised bolted connections where an ordinary washer isn't the correct replacement.

Steelwork Modification

Changes to existing assemblies can expose angled interfaces that need to be considered before selecting replacement fastening hardware.

For fabrication equipment & supporting workshop gear, explore Workshop Equipment.

Which Way Does a Tapered Washer Go?

Orientation matters.

The washer's tapered profile exists to compensate for the angle of the mating surface. Installing it incorrectly can prevent the intended flatter bearing relationship from being achieved.

Before tightening:

► Identify the sloping face
► Check the direction of the taper
► Position the washer to compensate for that slope
► Confirm the bolt head or nut seats as intended
► Check the complete fastener arrangement
► Follow any relevant drawing, equipment or engineering specification

Don't rely purely on how the washer looks once installed.

The goal is to have the washer geometry working with the mating surface rather than adding another unwanted angle to the connection.

For a useful overview of common fastening types, read Fastener Guide Bolts Screws Anchors.

A Washer Is Part of the Joint – Not an Afterthought

It's easy to focus entirely on the bolt.

Diameter. Length. Thread. Grade.

But the hardware underneath the bolt head or nut also influences how the connection comes together.

When replacing components, inspect the complete arrangement:

Bolt → washer → mating surface → washer where specified → nut

Look for damaged threads, distorted washers, corrosion, damaged bearing faces & signs that components have been incorrectly seated.

A tapered washer showing significant deformation, damage or corrosion shouldn't automatically be returned to service because it still fits over the bolt.

The complete joint deserves attention rather than treating the washer as an interchangeable piece of hardware.

Don't Create a Mixed-Washer Drawer

Tapered washers are easier to identify when they're stored properly.

Throw them into a tub with flat washers, spring washers & miscellaneous hardware & the differences become much easier to miss.

A better workshop setup is to separate stock by:

► Washer type
► Diameter
► Finish
► Material
► Application where relevant
► Frequently used & reserve quantities

Labelling matters too.

When an unusual washer comes off machinery during disassembly, keep it with the associated components until the specification has been confirmed. That reduces the chance of a specialised part disappearing into general workshop stock.

For workshops reviewing fastener stock & equipment before a busy period, Spring Jobsite Prep Getting Your Gear Ready has practical preparation tips.