Nuts & washers

What are nuts & washers?

Nuts & washers are two different types of fasteners used with other types of fixings like bolts and screws. While nuts are hexagonal, washers are generally dis-shaped. Nuts have an internal thread, enabling them to secure bolts and screws into place. Washers, on the other hand, are placed underneath bolts and screws and prevent them from loosening.

Importance of nuts & washers

Nuts & washers provide increased control when used alongside other fasteners. They can prevent unnatural loosening of fastened bolts and screws, minimize the risk of potential leakage, reduce friction, and avert indentations in the fastened materials.

Often characterized by unique features like indentations and teeth, nuts & washers are designed for a wide range of applications across industries, for example:

•  Farming equipment and irrigation systems in the agricultural sector
• Support structures and scaffolding in construction
• Inside tanks and heat exchangers in the chemical refining industry
• Decks & bulkheads in marine watercraft
• In electrical equipment and machines

Best practices for buying nuts & washers

There are different types of nuts & washers available in the market, varying in their shapes, sizes, materials, features, and finishes. Before purchasing, consider the following:

• Nuts & washers are available in different types of materials, including steel, stainless steel, brass, plastic and aluminium, etc. The type of material you choose should depend on your purpose of application. For instance, if you want to use them in aquatic environments, then you should choose materials such as silicon bronze. Similarly, if you want to use them in the chemical refining industry, then consider selecting stainless steel ones.
• Consider the functional and aesthetic attributes of your application. You can choose from different types of finishes like black oxide, zinc plating, chrome plating, and hot-dip galvanizing, depending on the material strength and corrosion resistance you are aiming for. For example, if you are focusing on maximizing strength and resistance to corrosion, then consider choosing materials such as copper, aluminium, copper and nickel alloys.
• Consider the type of threads equipped in the nuts & washers. The threads are either right-handed or left-handed, so choose the one that fits your purpose the best. For example, if you want your nuts & washers to resist additional loosening forces, then you can go for a left-handed thread with counter-clockwise running.