Toothed washers have become a popular alternative to traditional washers. Like all washers, they are used in conjunction with a threaded fastener. Washers distribute the load of a threaded fastener. Only toothed washers, however, feature serrations or “teeth.” What are the benefits of toothed washers exactly?
Vibration Resistant
Toothed washers are resistant to vibrations. They are characterized by a serrated design. As you tighten a threaded fastener over a toothed washer, its teeth will dig into the object’s surface.
Other types of washers typically sit flat against the objects with which they are used. Therefore, they are vulnerable to vibrations. As the object vibrates, the washers will loosen. Toothed washers feature a serrated design that digs into the surface, allowing them to withstand vibrations without loosening.
Internal and External Styles
You can find toothed washers in internal and external styles. They both feature a serrated design consisting of teeth. The difference lies in the location of their teeth.
Internal toothed washers feature teeth inside of them, whereas external toothed washers feature teeth on the outside. Internal toothed washers feature a cleaner and more streamlined appearance. External toothed washers, on the other hand, offer a stronger hold and better protection from vibrations.
Reduced Risk of Fastener Failure
Toothed washers can protect the fasteners with which they are used from failure. Whether internal or external, all toothed washers are used in conjunction with a threaded fastener, such as a bolt. Bolts and other threaded fasteners, of course, can fail. Their threads may wear down, or they may simply loosen.
Fasteners are less likely to fail when used with a toothed washer. The toothed washer will secure the fastener in place. This makes toothed washers a popular choice for aerospace applications.
Electrical Grounding
Another benefit of toothed washers is electrical grounding. Electrical systems often require grounding. Toothed washers offer a solution. As the teeth dig into an adjacent piece of metal, they will provide a safe pathway for excess electricity.
The serrated edges of toothed washers can cut through protective layers, including zinc oxide. Even if the piece of metal is covered in a layer of zinc oxide, the serrated edges or “teeth” should be able to reach the underlying conductive metal.
Strong and Long-Lasting
You can rest assured knowing that toothed washers are strong and long-lasting. They aren’t made of cheap materials. Because they are used in applications where vibrations are common, toothed washers are made of durable materials.
There are carbon steel toothed washers. They feature an iron alloy construction with a high concentration of carbon. The presence of this carbon increases their strength.
