Out of the many fasteners in the market these days, washers should not be taken for granted. They play a critical role in cases where fasteners are not able to work on their own. That is why while working on a project, it is crucial that you consider whether or not you need to have washers in case you need them.
What is a Washer?
Washers are considered as multipurpose fasteners. They have a variety of uses that is why they are important in any industrial and construction settings. There are plenty of washer types to choose from – structural, spring, countersunk, fender, flat, sealing, slotted, and a lot more. Choosing the right washer is crucial. But also, you need to understand its uses and why they are essential.
Important Uses of Washers
Washers are important partners of fasteners. Still, some do not clearly understand how to use them correctly. And in these cases, it would be more difficult to make the most out of the washers’ capability. Washers are readily available for purchase at any fasteners suppliers online these days. So here’s what you can do with washers.
- Effective for Load Distribution. One of the primary uses of washers is for load distribution. Using this with other fasteners can help distribute the load on a surface where they are used. When using threaded fasteners like screws, the stress it brings to the material may cause it to crack. With the washers, it reduces the risk of damage by distributing the load.
- Used as the Spacer. The next common use of washers is as spacers. When using a threaded fastener and it is longer compared to the depth of the object, for example, a 4-inch screw into a 3-inch object, it would be difficult to drive it all the way into it without leaving a portion of the fastener to stick out at the back. A solution to this problem is to use a spacer.
- Create a Waterproof Seal. There are washers that are made to prevent water and liquids from seeping through. These washers are used in water pipes in order to create a waterproof seal. These washers are used to press completely against the surface of the object for it to work.
- Absorbs Vibration. There are certain types of washers that are specifically designed to absorb vibration. These are called vibration isolation washers that are commonly made of softer materials like plastic, instead of metal. When a threaded fastener is used to connect two objects, one of these can produce vibrations. The softer material of these washers can help absorb vibration compared to the hard materials like metal.
Knowing the uses of washers can help improve the longevity of your project. That is why if you are using fasteners, it is best to know whether or not you will be needing to use washers. It is easy to find washers that you need specifically for the job that you are currently doing. So make sure that you pick the right one and add them to your cart.
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