When it comes to using a washer, you may wonder what purpose it serves. Especially if the only washer you previously knew was the one you washed your clothing in.
The washer in today’s topic is an essential component when it comes to assembling and fastening objects together.
Perhaps you didn’t know what it was called, but if you ever purchased any type of furniture for assembly, you were likely given washers to pair with your nuts and bolts.
Likely, the instructions will tell you where to put it, however, that’s not always the case. Some products come with only pictures to show you where to use each piece of hardware to unite your parts.
And other times, something comes loose and you have to put it back together. How do you know where to put that washer? Does it go on the nut side or the bolt side? Read on to know how to tell!
Should A Washer Go On Nut Side Or The Bolt Side?
A washer is used to keep from damaging whatever you’re fastening. Most of the time if you are using only one washer, it will need to go on the nut side. The nut has less contact with the workpiece than the side with the bold. But if your project requires turning the bolt, you’ll want to use the washer on the bolt side.
Basically, it depends on what you’re doing with that washer. However, most people will wind up using it on the nut side.
Knowing a bit more about what washers do with fasteners can help you better understand how to use them when you are creating something from scratch, lost the instructions, or something has come undone and you’re not sure how it’s supposed to go back together.
Why use washers with fasteners?
If you’re still not sure which thing is the washer, it’s a disc-shaped piece of hardware. You’ll usually receive it in a packet with other nuts, bolts, screws, and threaded fasteners to help you complete a DIY furniture assembly.
Now, when you go through those instructions, you’ll likely see that before you add the indicated fasteners, you need to grab a washer. What’s the purpose of this? Can’t you just fasten it together and call it a day?
Well, you could in theory, but washers are important to use with fasteners. Here’s why!
– They create spacing
One of the most common reasons washers are required with fasteners is that they serve as spacers. Sometimes, bolts are a bit longer than they need to be. This will make it stick out more than you’d probably like.
Enter the washer. It helps solve this spacing problem. When you place a washer between the object, such as two pieces of wood you’re fastening together to make a desk, it adds necessary padding that keeps that fastener from protruding too much.
– They help bear the load
You may not want to skip using those washers when assembling objects because they help distribute the load. Washers evenly divide the load they bear across the fastener.
Simply screwing into wood might cause cracking on the surface, but with a washer, the risk of cracking and damage is greatly reduced because that load for the fastener has been distributed accordingly.
With wood and other fragile types of material, it is really important to use a washer with a fastener. This will prevent damage from the many stresses the assembled item will undergo and make it last a long time.
– Protect from liquids
Not all washers are used for woodworking. Some are used with different water connections and pipes. The purpose they serve in this setting is to create a waterproof seal.
Liquid-sealing washers are made from softer materials. This helps it mold and adjust to whichever surfaces you’re joining together that come into contact with water to completely seal them.
By using a washer with pipes, it can protect from water and leaks. When it comes to matters of water connections and pipes, you don’t want to skip adding the washer which adds an extra element of protection.
– Absorbs vibrations
There are also washers that can help absorb vibrations when joining two objects together. These vibration damping or isolating washers are generally softer, made from things like plastic, rubber, or urethane so they can absorb vibrations well.
For these types of washers, they are used on the side where the object vibrates more to keep it from causing damages.
Types of Washers and How They’re Used
There is no one-size-fits-all washer. There are a few different kinds of washers to help fit your needs. They can help threaded fasteners last longer.
Since the distribute the pressure, using a washer can keep an object from becoming damaged. It can also keep the fastener from moving or corroding.
Here are a few of the most common washers you’re bound to find in any DIY situation.
– Flat Washers
Let’s start with flat washers, which are the most common sort of washer you’ll find. These are used in most things around your house. Sometimes, they’re called ‘plain washers.’
The purpose these washers serve is to distribute the load of the fastener in an even way. These also reduce friction and heat between the fastener you’re using and the object your attaching it too as you tighten things up.
You can also use flat washers as spacers. These have their fit in many industrial as well as domestic settings. And they can provide insulation for electrical items as well.
– Lock Washers
As for lock washers, these are most often used in household appliances. You’ll also see them used in the automotive and aerospace industries.
With lock washers, they are most effective in reducing the selected fastener’s ability to loosen up when in a vibrating or torqued mode.
While there are quite a lot of different lock washers, they all have the same purpose – to hold the nut and bolt firmly in place. Lock washers basically grip the bolt and nut. This is why they’re heavily relied upon for moving parts.
Imagine if you were driving your car down the road and it all just fell apart. That’s what would happen in a world without lock washers.
Incidentally, lock washers are also found in washing machines and other appliances.
– Spring Washers
Spring washers are also found in aerospace and automotive applications. They create an axial load with those fasteners to inhibit movement from vibration or thermal expansion.
As such, they’re more of a technical part you find in things like airplanes or your vehicle.
– Shoulder Washers
Another washer type, most commonly used for electronics, is the shoulder washer. This helps with fasteners or insulating shafts with electronic equipment.
These washers are made with non-conductive materials, such as nylon. As such, they’re not the best choice in humid settings.
Do You Always Need to Use Washers with Nuts?
You’ll be happy to know that not all nuts require washers. You can actually use any nut or threaded fastener without a washer. However, they are used because they have added benefits.
If you’re just starting with DIY-type stuff in your home, you may wonder why you should bother. But washers make it easier to fasten.
Plus, they make things safer because they distribute the load. This is why you might not want to skip using them when putting things together.
Which Side Should a Washer Go On – Nut or Bolt?
Much of it will depend on what you’re putting together. Most of the time, that will be on the nut side. However, it really depends on the situation.
Here are a few of the more common scenarios you’ll come up against and what to do with washers!
– Lock washers go with the nut
For any kind of lock washer, which could be the split-ring type, star type, or wavy type, you don’t want your nut or bolt coming loose.
In this case, you will want the washer to be used on the side that is most likely to turn and move into the surface. Just about every time, this will be the nut side.
With lock washers, the only time you will use it on that bolt side is when the bolt screws into your threads of any other part of what you’re assembling.
– Using a washer for surface protection
When you’re using a washer so you can protect the surface of the thing you’re working on, the washer needs to go on the side being driven into the surface when you’re doing the tightening.
Thinner materials will command a larger washer. This is so you can better distribute that load and the pressure from it.
Your washer goes up against the material. This will keep the item you’re working on from cracking or breaking down.
– Using a smaller and larger washer together
There will be times when you have a washer that is smaller in diameter that will go above a larger washer. This is so there won’t be problems in the tightening process.
Here, you need to know the role your fastener is taking on. Think about how the washer will create the best results to keep everything firmly in place.
You should also consider how it can protect what you’re assembling as well as distribute that load. Then it should be obvious which side you should use.
What Will Happen If I Don’t Use a Washer with My Nuts and Bolts?
Well, you don’t HAVE TO use a washer with your nuts and bolts. However, it really is a good idea.
When you use a washer, it adds an extra measure of protection to your surface. It keeps it from becoming damaged while evenly spacing the pressure.
Plus, it keeps your fasteners from corroding which can ruin whatever it is you’re assembling in the long run.
Basically, when you skip using a washer, you will make your item much less durable. And why go to all that trouble when it’s just going to fall apart? Build it to last the first time!
Do You Need to Use Washers with Bolted Joints?
You should never skip adding a washer in with those bolted joints. These are quite durable and as such, should be paired with washers that are made from steel. This will prevent damage as well, especially when torque is applied.
Since washers help impede galvanic corrosion, they are ideal to use with bolted joints. They keep the steel screws insulated from aluminum surfaces too.
Should You Use a Washer with Screws?
Again, washers aren’t mandatory, but they can only improve any installation you have. This is especially true with any type of threaded fastener. A screw is a threaded fastener, so it makes sense to use a washer when you use a screw to assemble something.
So, you don’t always need a washer, but they can improve what you make. They keep the surface from suffering damage and they are better able to distribute the thread fastener’s load appropriately on this surface for a harmonious and sturdy creation.
Conclusion
All in all, you will need to think about what you’re assembling and determine if you really need a washer. But it is far better to err on the side of caution and use one.
That won’t matter if you put it on the wrong side. If you’re ever unsure, it will most likely go on the same side as the nut. However, think about the surface and how it is connected to the other parts of what you’re building.
The washer prevents damage and provides additional support. It protects your threaded fasteners from corroding too. This can only prolong the life of your built creation.
This small disc-shaped item may not seem important, but it offers quite a lot of assistance when you’re assembling something. That’s why it is always a part of the included hardware when you purchase a piece of furniture to assemble yourself.
It’s not to make you crazy by adding yet another piece to the puzzle. It’s to protect that item so you’ll build it to last.