Nuts and Washers

Table of Contents

Why are Washers Used?

  • To distribute the pressure of the bolt/nut evenly over the surface, so that the surface isn't damaged
  • Lock washers secure fasteners that tend to rotate or lose friction
  • Allows for a smooth surface to the screw to slide against as it is installed to make installation easier and more secure


Standard Washer Types

Flat Washer

    • A flat washer, used to distribute load

Image of flat washer.

Fender Washer

    • An oversize flat washer used to distribute load especially on soft materials.

Image of a fender washer.

Slip Lock Washer

    • The most common style of washer
    • Used to prevent nuts and bolt from backing out

Image of a slip lock washer.

Internal Tooth Lock Washer

    • A washer with internal "teeth"
    • Used to prevent nuts and bolts from backing out 


Image of an internal tooth lock washer.

External Tooth Lock Washer

    • A washer with external "teeth"
    • Used to prevent nuts and bolts from backing out

Image of an external tooth lock washer.

Finishing Washer

    • A washer used to obtain a "finished" look. Usually used with oval head screws.

Image of a finishing washer.

Ogee

    • Thick, large diameter, cast iron washers with a curved or sculpted appearance.
    • Commonly used in dock or wood construction

Image of an ogee.

Standard Nut Types

Hex nut

    • A six-sided nut.
    • Most commonly used .

Image of a hex nut.

Slotted/Castle Nut

    • Slotted nuts are used in conjunction with a cotter/split pin on the drilled bolt to prevent loosening.

Wing Nuts

    • One pick nut with two wings-180° apart.
    • Used in low torque applications that require frequent adjustments.

Image of a wing nut.

Nylon Insert Lock Nut

    • A nut with a nylon insert to prevent backing off.
    • Also referred to as a "Nylock".

Image of a nylon insert lock nut.

Coupling Nut

    • Longer than usual nuts.
    • Connects pieces of threaded rods or other male fasteners.

Image of a coupling nut.

Jam Nut

    • A hex nut with a reduced height.

Image of a jam nut.

Tee Nut

    • A nut designed to be driven into wood to create a threaded hole.

Image of a tee nut.

K-Lock or Kep Nut

    • A nut with an attached free-spinning external tooth lockwasher. 

 References

  1. "Fastener Type Chart“. BoltDepot.com. [Online]. Available: https://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/type-chart.aspx [Accessed: 10-Dec-2020].

Contributors:

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Mayurakhi Khan 1095 days ago
Lesley Lang 1123 days ago
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