How and When to Use Washers Effectively?

How and When to Use Washers Effectively?

Washers form a part of various things we use in our everyday lives. A number of industrial products also make use of washers to run appropriately. These thin circular objects with a hole in the middle distribute the load of a nut or bolt to enable smooth operation. Different types of washers including shim washers, aluminum washers and felt washers have been designed to suit different kinds of applications. They may differ in size, material and shape. However, the main purpose of these small yet essential components is to tighten the grip and prevent the wear and tear of fastened parts. How and when to use which washer purely depends on your requirement. Let us take a look at the various types of washers available in the market and also how and when to use them.

Different Types of Washers and their Usage

Washers have broadly been divided into three groups. Each group includes various kinds of washers to suit different needs. Here is a look at these three groups and the types of washers that form a part of each of these:

Plain Washers

These washers are widely used to distribute the pressure and prevent the loosening of grip. They are divided into five different types including flat washer, fender washer, torque washer, finishing washer and C-washer. The dimension, thickness and utility of each of these washers differs from each other.

Spring Washers

Spring washers are known for their flexible built that prevents them from loosening the grip caused due to vibrations. Spring washer manufacturers manufacture different types of washers that move well with the vibrations and allow the application to function efficiently. Belleville washers, crescent spring washer, finger spring washer, dome spring washer and wave spring washer are among the different types of spring washers.

Lock Washers

Lock washers clasp the fasteners tightly so that they do not loosen even as the applications rotate and run at high speed. The different types of lock washers include split lock washer, internal tooth lock washer and external tooth lock washer.

Identify When and How to Use Washers

Washers help different appliances work efficiently. However, you can ensure this only if you choose a washer as per your exact requirement. Wrong choice of washer can lead to malfunctioning. It can even deteriorate the appliance over time. Thus, it is important to know which kind of washer to pick among the various available options. It is equally important to know when and how to use washers to achieve efficiency and promote a safe environment. Let us dig deeper in this regard:

When to Use Washers?

Washers come handy in a number of cases including the following:

Load Distribution

Washers are needed when the load of the fastener needs to be distributed evenly. For instance, while driving a screw into the wood or other soft surfaces there is always a chance of cracking these materials. You can use a washer in such a case to distribute the load and avoid damage.

Spacing

You need to use a washer in case the nut and bolt assembly has a space in between because of which they are not fastened tightly. Adding a washer here will bridge the gap between the two surfaces and create a tight seal. This will enable the application to.

Waterproofing

Washers are also used in applications that require the fastening to be waterproof. Washers establish a tight seal and thus prevent leakage. There are special types of washers for this purpose. Made of soft material, these are mostly used in water pipes.

Absorption of Vibration

Some types of washers are especially designed to absorb vibrations as the application runs. Rubber, plastic or other soft materials are used to make these washers. By absorbing vibration, these washers prevent wear and tear of the application.

How to Use Washers?

To begin with, choose the right kind of washer after assessing your need thoroughly. The thickness, size and utility of the washer must be taken into consideration while picking a piece. You can affix it using essential tools. When you choose the right size, material and thickness of the washer, it is easier to attach. It is suggested to grease the washer before starting with the process. This will help it slip through with ease and set appropriately. Alternatively, you may seek professional help to further the task. Reputed copper washer manufacturers have a team of professionals who help with the installation process.

Conclusion

Washers are mainly used to bridge the space between two surfaces to allow proper functionality of an application. They also help in waterproofing, absorb vibrations and distribute the load evenly. You can affix them appropriately by using the right tools. However, seeking professional guidance may be necessary in certain cases. Different types of washers are available to match different requirements. It is important to understand your requirement properly to pick a matching piece.