Reliable Fastener Support for Machinery, Maintenance & Threaded Assemblies

Spring washers are fastening components designed to provide an elastic response or another specified function within a bolted assembly. One familiar type is the split spring washer, also called a helical spring washer, which has a split ring profile.

Spring washers are used in certain machinery, equipment maintenance, workshop & general fastening applications. Their suitability depends on the washer design, fastener dimensions, joint materials, tightening method & operating conditions.

Although split spring washers are commonly described as locking washers, they should not be assumed to prevent loosening in every application. In particular, conventional split spring washers are generally not a reliable standalone solution for highly preloaded joints exposed to significant vibration.

Industrial Shed helps Australian mechanics, fabricators, maintenance teams & trade contractors source spring washers & complementary fastening hardware for suitable applications.

How to Choose the Right Spring Washers?

Start with the equipment specification or joint design.

Important selection factors include:

• Washer type: split spring, wave, conical or another specified design.

• Nominal size: matched to the intended bolt or stud.

• Inside diameter: compatible with the fastener.

• Outside diameter: suitable for the available bearing area.

• Thickness & profile: appropriate for the joint.

• Material: suited to the mechanical requirements.

• Finish: appropriate for the environment.

• Standard: matched to the specified product requirements.

For broader threaded fastening options, explore Bolts & Fasteners.

Split Spring Washers vs Flat Washers

Split spring washers have a helical profile with a gap between their ends. They are commonly used in fastening arrangements where the design specifies that washer type.

Flat washers provide a generally flat bearing surface beneath a bolt head or nut.

These components have different shapes & intended functions.

For standard bearing washers, browse Flat Washers.

A spring washer should not automatically replace a flat washer in a high-strength, structural or otherwise specified connection.

Likewise, adding a spring washer does not compensate for incorrect bolt preload, inadequate thread engagement or unsuitable joint design.

Metric Spring Washers for Machinery & Workshop Use

Metric spring washers are selected according to the corresponding metric fastener size & applicable washer specification.

The nominal size does not necessarily equal the washer's exact inside diameter.

Before ordering, confirm:

• Bolt or stud diameter.

• Thread system.

• Washer inside diameter.

• Outside diameter.

• Thickness.

• Material.

• Applicable standard.

For compatible threaded hardware, explore Hex Bolts.

The correct washer size should be determined from the equipment specification rather than appearance alone.

Imperial Spring Washers & Replacement Fasteners

Some machinery, older equipment & imported assemblies use imperial fastening systems.

Imperial spring washers may be specified by nominal inch-based fastener size, dimensional standard & material.

When replacing an imperial washer, check the original dimensions carefully.

Do not assume that a metric washer with a similar inside diameter is an acceptable substitute.

Differences in thickness, outside diameter or material can affect the intended assembly.

Spring Washers for Machinery Maintenance

Machinery servicing often involves removing threaded fasteners, inspecting components & replacing damaged hardware.

Where a spring washer is specified, check the replacement against the original equipment requirements.

Inspect used washers for:

• Cracking.

• Corrosion.

• Permanent deformation.

• Surface damage.

• Loss of the intended profile.

• Incorrect seating.

• Excessive wear.

A flattened or damaged spring washer should not be assumed suitable for reuse.

For conventional machinery fasteners, browse Socket Head Bolts.

Spring Washers & Vibration Resistance

Vibration can contribute to loosening in certain threaded assemblies, but the appropriate solution depends on the joint design.

A conventional split spring washer does not guarantee vibration resistance.

In demanding applications, a specified prevailing-torque nut, wedge-locking washer system, thread-locking product or another engineered retention method may be required.

For suitable prevailing-torque fastening options, explore Nylon Insert Nuts.

Nylon insert nuts also have operating limitations, including temperature, reuse & application-specific requirements.

Use the retention method specified by the equipment manufacturer or joint designer.

Spring Washers vs Lock Nuts

Spring washers & lock nuts are not interchangeable components.

A spring washer is positioned beneath a fastener head or nut where the joint design calls for it.

A lock nut uses a specified feature intended to resist relative rotation in suitable threaded connections.

For additional locking fastener categories, explore Lock Nuts.

The correct choice depends on preload requirements, vibration, temperature, service access & other operating conditions.

Do not assume that combining several locking devices automatically improves the connection.

Spring Washer Materials & Corrosion Resistance

Spring washers may be manufactured from carbon spring steel, stainless steel or other specified materials.

Spring steel may provide the mechanical properties required for particular washer designs.

Zinc-plated spring steel may suit certain protected environments where the coating is appropriate.

Stainless steel may be selected for specified corrosion-resistant applications, depending on the grade & required spring properties.

Material selection must consider mechanical performance as well as corrosion resistance.

A stainless steel spring washer is not automatically equivalent to a hardened carbon steel washer.

Spring Washers for Outdoor Equipment

Outdoor machinery, brackets & exposed fastening assemblies may experience moisture, temperature changes & corrosion.

Where spring washers are specified for outdoor use, check the material & protective finish against the environmental conditions.

The bolt, nut, washer & mating materials should be considered as a complete assembly.

Contact between dissimilar metals can create corrosion concerns under certain conditions.

Avoid substituting a different washer material without checking compatibility.

Installing Spring Washers Correctly

Spring washers must be installed according to the relevant equipment or fastener specification.

Before assembly:

• Confirm the correct washer type.

• Check the nominal size & dimensions.

• Inspect for damage.

• Clean the mating surfaces.

• Position the washer as specified.

• Use compatible bolts & nuts.

• Apply the required tightening procedure.

• Inspect the completed joint.

Do not rely on the spring washer to correct insufficient tightening torque.

For connections requiring controlled preload, follow the specified tightening method rather than using a general hand-tightening approach.

When a Spring Washer May Not Be Suitable

A conventional split spring washer may be unsuitable for applications involving significant vibration, high-strength preloaded joints, particular structural connections or other conditions where a different retention method is specified.

In these cases, the correct solution may involve a purpose-designed locking system, different joint geometry or another approved fastener arrangement.

Always prioritise the equipment manufacturer's requirements over a generic assumption that every bolted joint needs a spring washer.

Common Spring Washer Selection Mistakes

Common mistakes include:

• Choosing the wrong nominal size.

• Confusing spring washers with flat washers.

• Assuming all spring washers prevent vibration loosening.

• Using a damaged or permanently flattened washer.

• Mixing incompatible metric & imperial components.

• Selecting an unsuitable material or finish.

• Adding spring washers to joints that prohibit them.

• Ignoring the required tightening procedure.

• Replacing a specified locking device without approval.

Correct selection starts with the joint requirements, not the washer's appearance.

Spring Washers FAQs

What are spring washers used for?

Spring washers are used in specified threaded fastening assemblies where their design provides an intended elastic or fastening-related function.

Are spring washers the same as lock washers?

Some split spring washers are commonly called lock washers, but the terms can describe different products. Their actual locking performance depends on the design & application.

Do spring washers stop bolts from loosening?

Not reliably in every application. Conventional split spring washers should not be relied upon as the sole anti-loosening measure for demanding vibration-prone joints.

Can spring washers be used with flat washers?

Some assemblies specify both, but this arrangement is not universally appropriate. Follow the equipment manufacturer's approved washer configuration.

Industrial Shed Support

Industrial Shed helps Australian mechanics, fabricators, maintenance teams & trade contractors source spring washers, compatible bolts, nuts & related fastening hardware for suitable workshop & industrial applications.

Check Shipping & Delivery for dispatch information, explore Trade Exclusives for business purchasing options, or contact Warranty & Parts Support for product assistance.