Spring Washers

A spring washer - also known as a lock washer - is the split ring washer that provides a degree of vibration resistance in a bolted joint by maintaining tension in the fastener as the joint settles and materials compress under clamping load. At the DIY Hardware Store, our spring washers are available in the metric sizes used across engineering, construction, and general mechanical fastening applications alongside standard hex nuts and bolts.

The split and twisted ring of a spring washer sits between the nut and the bearing surface. As the nut is tightened, the washer flattens slightly and stores elastic energy - this stored spring energy maintains a positive clamping force even as minor relaxation occurs in the joint materials over time. The sharp cut ends of the split ring also dig into both the nut bearing face and the washer seat, providing some additional rotational resistance.

Available in standard metric sizes in zinc-plated steel at the DIY Hardware Store, sold as singles and in packs for construction and engineering use.

  • Split ring design stores elastic energy to maintain clamping force
  • Resists joint relaxation under vibration and thermal cycling
  • Sharp cut ends add rotational resistance against nut loosening
  • Standard metric sizes for engineering and construction use
  • Zinc-plated steel for general applications
  • Singles and packs available