The main types of washers used with stainless steel fasteners include plain washers, split spring washers and specialised locking designs. They have different jobs. Start by identifying whether the assembly needs a bearing surface, a specified spring element or a particular locking arrangement.
One correction is useful at the outset: a Nylock is a nylon-insert lock nut, not a washer. It may appear in the same assembly, but it should be specified as a separate component.
Plain washers: a bearing surface under the head or nut
A plain washer is a flat ring used beneath a bolt head or nut. It spreads the bearing load over a larger area and can help protect the surface being clamped. Its dimensions and material need to suit the joint.
Do not describe a washer only by the bolt size. Record the internal diameter, outside diameter and thickness, or quote the required product standard. An oversized hole, narrow bearing area or soft mating surface may need a particular washer design rather than a standard ring chosen by appearance.
View our SS plain washers when preparing a size list.
Split spring washers: follow the assembly specification
A split spring washer is cut and formed into a helical shape. It is often described in purchasing lists as a spring washer or split lock washer. Keep it distinct from a conical disc spring and from a paired wedge-locking washer system.
A split washer should not be assumed to prevent loosening under every operating condition. Nord-Lock’s technical comparison identifies limitations under high dynamic loads and when lubrication promotes sliding. A vibrating joint needs an assessed fastening arrangement, rather than an assumption based on the washer name.
For an existing approved assembly, quote the specified washer standard and dimensions. See our stainless steel spring washers and ask the team to confirm the offered product.
Where does a Nylock nut fit?
A Nylock nut uses a nylon insert to create resistance on the mating thread. It is a nut with its own thread specification and service limitations. Adding one to a bill of materials does not remove the need to consider the bearing surface beneath it.
State the required nut standard, diameter, pitch and stainless steel grade. Ask for the manufacturer’s limits where temperature, chemicals or reuse are relevant. Do not assume that every nylon-insert nut is suitable for the same conditions.
Keep the nut and washer on separate lines in your enquiry. Browse SS Nylock nuts for the relevant product family.
Keep the whole assembly in view
Take the component list from the drawing and compare it with the existing joint. A washer added during maintenance may have been a previous substitution. Record what is installed, then ask for approval before changing the specified arrangement.
For example, an equipment bracket may use a stainless steel bolt, a plain washer and a separate locking nut. Those three items should be listed individually, with their quantities. Writing “bolt with lock washer” would leave the supplier to guess which component you actually need.
When the requirement is unclear, send a labelled photograph and the drawing reference together. Explain whether the joint is new, a replacement or a recurring maintenance problem.
A washer enquiry checklist
- Name the washer type and product standard or attach the drawing.
- List the internal diameter, outside diameter and thickness.
- State the stainless steel grade and quantity.
- Identify the matching bolt and nut, including thread pitch.
- Describe the mating surface and any vibration, temperature or chemical exposure.
- Ask for confirmation of the exact product offered before approving a substitution.
This checklist makes the quotation easier to compare without treating different washer and nut designs as interchangeable.
Prepare your stainless steel fastener list
A M Steel & Metal Company handles stainless steel fastener enquiries from George Town, Chennai. Browse the fastener catalogue and send the team your component schedule. Confirm dimensions, material and availability on the quotation. For a joint that repeatedly loosens, have the fastening arrangement reviewed before ordering replacements.
Technical reference
Split washer limitations checked against Nord-Lock’s comparison of split ring washers. Use the selected component manufacturer’s data and the approved joint specification for installation requirements.