Spring washer
THE spring washer, known as a split washer or lock washer, it is a small, circular metallic disk with a slot cut into it. The slot creates a spring-like effect when the washer is tightened, which helps prevent loosening nut or of the bolt over time.
The spring washer is commonly used in automotive applications where vibration or movement could cause screws or nuts to loosen. For example, they are often used to secure the wheels of a car, where constant rotation and movement can cause the nuts to loosen over time.
The spring washer comes in a variety of sizes and materials, including stainless steel, brass, and copper. They are also available in various shapes such as square, rectangular and curved. The shape and size of spring washer required for a particular application depends on the size and type of bolt or nut used.
Spring washer
One of the advantages of using spring washers is that they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They can be used in conjunction with other washer types or in place of them, depending on the application. However, it is important to note that spring washers are not always necessary or appropriate for every application.
In fact, some experts argue that they can actually cause more harm than good in some cases. For example, if a spring washer is used on an already stressed bolt, it could cause the bolt to break or fail prematurely.