Do you know the difference between spacers and washers? They are both used in conjunction with fasteners like screws and bolts to create space. After driving a screw or bolt through a set of parts, for instance, you can use one of these two solutions.
Spacers and washers both function as “padding” by filling excess space so that you can tighten a nut onto the end of the screw or bolt. While they serve a similar purpose, however, they aren’t the same. To learn more about the difference between spacers and washers, keep reading.
What Are Washers?
Washers are round, disc-shaped fasteners that are used in conjunction with a threaded fastener. Their primary purpose is to distribute the fastener’s load. As you drive a threaded fastener into an object, the load of the fastener will be focused directly below the head. Overtightening the fastener may then crack or otherwise damage the object in this small area. Washers prevent this from happening by spreading the fastener’s load across a larger area.
Common types of washers include the following:
- Plain washers
- Belleville washers
- Cupped washers
- Wave washers
- Locking washers
What Are Spacers?
Spacers are cylindrical, sleeve-like parts with a hollow center. Their primary purpose is to take up space. Some of them are made of metal like aluminum, whereas others are made of rubber or plastic. Regardless, spacers live up to their namesake by taking up space.
Spacers are also used in conjunction with threaded fasteners. You can place a screw or bolt through the center of a spacer, after which you can tighten a nut onto the end.
Differences Between Washers and Spacers
When dealing with excess space between a fastener and a nut, you can use either spacers or washers. Spacers, though, take up more space. You may have to use a half-dozen or more washers to fill the voided space, but it may only take a single spacer to consume this same amount of space. Therefore, spacers are ideal for applications involving a lot of space.
Washers and spacers are shaped differently. As previously mentioned, washers are disc-shaped. Most of them are flat, but some washers are slightly raised. Regardless, nearly all washers have a round, disc-like shape. Spacers, on the other hand, are longer and shaped like a cylinder.
Another difference is that washers can be used to protect fasteners from vibration-related loosening, whereas spacers can not. There are anti-vibration washers available, such as cupped and locking washers. They are commonly used in applications where vibrations, if left unchecked, can cause bolts or screws to loosen.
