Washers
Washers are thin, flat components used alongside bolts, screws and nuts to distribute load, protect surfaces and improve the performance of a bolted joint. Although simple in appearance, washers play an important role in preventing damage, reducing loosening and ensuring consistent clamping force.
FastenerFix supplies a focused range of plain washers in Forms A and B across mild steel, stainless steel and brass. Other washer types are outlined below for general understanding.
What Washers Do
A washer sits between the fastener head or nut and the surface of the material being clamped. Its main functions are:
- Load distribution – spreading the clamping force over a wider area.
- Surface protection – preventing damage to softer materials.
- Improved tightening – providing a smooth, consistent bearing surface.
- Vibration resistance – when used with specialised locking washers.
Common Washer Types
The following washer types are widely used in engineering and construction. FastenerFix currently stocks plain washers only.
- Plain Washers (Form A) – Standard flat washers with a normal outside diameter. Used for general load distribution and surface protection.
- Plain Washers (Form B) – Similar to Form A but with a chamfered edge for a cleaner finish and improved seating.
- Penny / Repair Washers – Large outside diameter washers used on thin or soft materials to spread load over a wider area.
- Spring / Split Lock Washers – Provide resistance to loosening through friction and spring tension.
- Shakeproof / Serrated Washers – Use teeth or serrations to bite into the surface and resist rotation.
Materials
Washers are available in a range of materials to suit different environments:
- Mild Steel – General‑purpose, available in self colour or zinc plated.
- Stainless Steel (A2 / A4) – Corrosion‑resistant for outdoor, marine or hygienic applications.
- Brass – Used for electrical, decorative or low‑load applications.
Compatibility of Washers Available from FastenerFix
The table below shows the washer types and materials currently stocked by FastenerFix, supplied to ISO 7089 / DIN 125‑1 (Form A) and ISO 7090 / DIN 125‑1 (Form B) standards. Availability is based on standard metric sizes from M3 to M12.
| Bolt / Screw Material | Mild Steel (Self Colour) |
Mild Steel (Zinc Plated) |
Stainless A2 | Stainless A4 | Brass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild Steel | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Recommended | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Suitable |
| Grade 8.8 Steel | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Recommended | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Suitable | ✖ Not recommended |
| Grade 10.9 Steel | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Recommended | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Suitable | ✖ Not recommended |
| Grade 12.9 Steel | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Recommended | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Suitable | ✖ Not recommended |
| A2 Stainless | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Recommended | ✔ Suitable | ✖ Not recommended |
| A4 Stainless | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Recommended | ✖ Not recommended |
| Brass | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Suitable | ✔ Recommended |