A washer is a simple object, yet it serves an important purpose. And no, we are not talking about the appliance that you rely on to clean your clothes. The washers highlighted in this post are the kind that are used to distribute weight, increase friction, prevent corrosion, and hold together even the most gargantuan of machines. Without the lowly washer, the world of engineering and manufacturing would be a very different place. Read on if you want to learn how important a washer is in our society.

5 Things You Need to Know about Washers

While a washer may not be a fascinating object, this tiny tool allows engineers, technicians, and even the occasional hobbyist to do amazing things. Here at Phoenix Specialty we think washers are pretty great, and the following list outlines five reasons why we can’t live without them:

Washers are used to distribute weight evenly: What all major machines boil down to is the nuts, bolts, and other fasteners that hold them into place (including washers). If the bolt in question cannot be tightened adequately, the integrity of the project is in jeopardy. A washer may be used to distribute the weight of the bolt so that adequate force can be used, and the bolt can be tightened properly. Weight distribution is important in order to keep the bolt securely fastened, and a washer’s ability to distribute weight is an important part of this process.

Washers increase friction: Increasing friction is especially important if the bolt being fastened is being placed in an area that is not level. The washer allows for a more solid and level surface in which to exert force, which keeps the fastener in place more securely.

Washers prevent corrosion: Galvanic corrosion is an electrical and chemical process in which one metal reacts when it comes into contact with another metal. This process occurs when an electrolyte is present, and will lead to galvanic corrosion of the metal. A washer can act as a spacer and a neutralizer in order to prevent galvanic corrosion from occurring.

Washers are an important aspect of several major manufacturing industries: Washers are an important component of many manufacturing industries, including automotive, aerospace, electrical, distribution, electronics, construction and building, and agriculture. We have clients in many of these industries, and washers are able to meet the specific needs of each company’s manufacturing concerns. For a more in-depth look at the industries that need the manufacturing products we provide, visit the following link: https://www.phoenixspecialty.com/industries.

Washers can be customized to fit your exact needs: No matter what you need a washer for, they come in all shapes and sizes. And if you need a custom order for a washer size we do not have in stock, Phoenix Supply has the ability to manufacture a specialty order to fit your exact needs. We can create any order for you as long as your project fits the following parameters:

An outside diameter of .05″ to 6″

A thickness of .0005″ to .260″

Is one of the 300 raw metals we have in stock