What on Earth is a Washer!?

As humans, furniture and appliances around us have enriched our lives. What do we need to assemble them?

Yes, screws and washers.

So this time, I would like to introduce washers, which are frequently used as a partner with screws.
A washer is a flat metal piece that is generally circular with a hole in the center. In fact, this is a very useful and important part when assembling a machine. I will introduce three types that are often used.

Please refer to the previous blog if you like.
→ Related article: “What on Earth are types of screws!?”

■ Flat Washers

This is a washer. It is used by inserting a screw through the hole in the center and inserting it between whatever material and the screw. Many people have probably seen or picked up a washer before, but what do they do?

・They prevent the screw from being screwed into the material.
・When the diameter of the screw hole is large, it increases the ground contact surface to prevent the screw from falling out.

It can also be used as a spacer.

When made of plastic, they help prevent damage to components, and when made of rubber, they improve insulation, anti-vibration, and waterproofing properties. There are also glass washers, which are used to insulate the fixing parts of precision circuit boards.
(From left to right: plastic, glass, and nylon)

■ Spring Washers

A washer has a cut and twisted shape, and is called a spring washer because this twist acts as a spring (They’re called spring washers). It does not have the role of increasing the ground contact area like a flat washer, but it mainly serves to prevent screws from loosening.
When a spring washer is inserted between a screw and the material and tightened, the spring repels to return and exerts a pushing force between the material and the screw (screw threads). This increases the frictional force and prevents the screw from loosening.

■ Toothed Washers

This colored product is also a washer. The jagged shape of these washers prevents them from loosening by biting into the material, and this type of washers also makes it easier to conduct electricity by biting into the metal and grounding it firmly. Therefore, they are often used to connect the ground wire of electrical equipment. Yes, grounding is important.

These are the three types of washers I have introduced. As I have already told you so far, the roles of washers can be summarized simply as “adjusting the screw hole diameter,” “preventing damage to the material,” and “preventing the screw from falling out. If you can remember this, you will be a washer master from tomorrow. Yosha~! (only for washers)

Thank you for sticking with me this far.

Sound House also deals with a number of washers. You can take this opportunity to check if the parts of your equipment are properly installed and review the washers as well! Bye-bye for now...