Different Types of Spring Washers

Published: 1 Oct 2025

Spring washers may be small, but they play a big role in fastening systems. They are designed to provide tension, resist vibration, and keep bolts and nuts tight. Whether used in machines, vehicles, or household items, spring washers add extra security that simple flat washers cannot provide.

What are Spring Washers?

Spring washers are circular metal fasteners with a hollow center. Unlike plain flat washers, they are shaped with curves, cones, or splits that give them spring-like flexibility. This design helps absorb shock, maintain tension, and prevent nuts and bolts from loosening under pressure or vibration.

Different Types of Spring Washers

1. Disc Spring Washers

Disc spring washers are shaped like a disc with a slight cone. They can take very high loads without needing much space. These washers are widely used in heavy-duty equipment, engines, and structural applications where strength is critical.

2. Serrated Flange Washers

Serrated flange washers come with ridges or teeth on their surfaces. These ridges bite into the material and the bolt head, creating strong friction that prevents loosening. They are perfect for automotive, construction, and machinery where vibration is constant.

3. Conical Spring Washers

Conical washers have a cone-shaped body that provides powerful spring action. They compress under load and return to their original shape when pressure is released. These washers are often used in assemblies that need reliable tension and long-lasting performance.

4. Wave Spring Washers

Wave spring washers have a wave-like design that allows them to flex easily. They are commonly used in small devices where space is limited but flexibility is needed. Their ability to absorb shock and reduce vibration makes them a great choice for electronics and light machinery.

5. Nylon-Inserted Washers

Nylon-inserted washers combine metal strength with nylon insulation. The nylon layer reduces wear, provides electrical insulation, and prevents the loosening of fasteners. They are often found in electrical equipment and sensitive assemblies where metal-on-metal contact is not ideal.

6. Coil Spring Washers

Coil spring washers are designed in a helical coil shape, giving them a strong spring force. They are especially effective in environments with high vibration and dynamic loads. You will often see them in engines, pumps, and heavy machinery.

7. Curved Spring Washers

Curved spring washers look like slightly bent flat washers and offer gentle flexibility. They are suited for light to medium loads where some give is required. These washers are popular in consumer goods, electronics, and instruments that need shock absorption.

8. Split-Ring Spring Washers

Split-ring washers are circular washers with a cut that creates a helical shape. When tightened, the cut edges bite into the nut and the surface, increasing friction. They are one of the most common spring washers and are widely used to stop fasteners from loosening.

9. Split-Straight Spring Washers

Split-straight washers are similar to split-ring types but have a straight cut instead of a twist. This design gives a firm grip on the surface and bolt. They are often used in vibrating machinery and rotating parts where loosening could cause damage.

10. Rubber-Backed Washers

Rubber-backed washers have a layer of rubber bonded to the metal surface. The rubber adds cushioning, reduces vibration, and helps seal against leaks. They are ideal for plumbing, pipelines, and any application that needs both fastening and sealing.

11. Belleville Washers

Belleville washers, also called conical disc springs, can support very high loads. They can be stacked in series or parallel to adjust the load and deflection. These washers are widely used in thermal expansion applications, valves, and heavy machinery.

12. Finger Spring Washers

Finger spring washers have flexible “fingers” around the edge that act as springs. They reduce noise, vibration, and wear in rotating parts like bearings. These washers are commonly used in automotive and mechanical systems where stability and damping are important.

How Does a Spring Washer Work?

A spring washer works by applying continuous pressure between a bolt and a nut. Its shape creates spring tension, which holds the fasteners tightly in place. This pressure increases friction, reducing the chance of loosening due to vibration, shock, or movement.

Uses of Spring Washers

Spring washers are used across many industries and in everyday applications:

Automotive: To secure nuts and bolts in engines and vehicles.

Machinery: To prevent fasteners from coming loose in vibrating equipment.

Electronics: To provide insulation and stability in small devices.

Pipelines and plumbing: To stop leaks and maintain tight seals.

Furniture and household tools: To keep screws and bolts firmly in place.

Conclusion

Spring washers may seem like small hardware pieces, but they are vital in ensuring safety and durability in fastening assemblies. With different types available, each designed for specific uses, they provide strength, vibration resistance, and reliability in countless applications.

FAQs

What does a spring washer do?

A spring washer provides tension and friction to keep nuts and bolts tight.

Where to put spring washer?

Place the spring washer between the nut and the surface or under the bolt head.

Can spring washers be reused?

Some can be reused if not damaged, but it’s best to replace them for safety.

Are spring washers and lock washers the same?

Yes, spring washers are a type of lock washer designed to prevent loosening.

What is the main purpose of a spring washer?

The main purpose is to resist vibration and keep fasteners secure.

What is the typical price of a spring washer?

Prices vary based on size, type, and material, usually ranging from a few cents to a few dollars each.

What is the best material for a spring washer?

They are commonly made from spring steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, or sometimes with added nylon or rubber layers.