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Bettesworth Construction
bolted joints

How to Choose Lock Washers for Industrial Applications

Lock washers use different mechanisms. Choose for the actual bolt, joint geometry, bearing surfaces, environment and project specification—not by the category name alone.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 4 min read
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“Lock washer” is a category, not a single design. For some bolted joints exposed to vibration or dynamic loads, paired wedge-locking washers are an option; the right choice still depends on the bolt, joint geometry, bearing surfaces, environment and project requirements.

How do lock washers help prevent bolts from loosening?

Lock washers use different mechanisms, and those mechanisms are not interchangeable. A washer may rely on wedge-and-cam action, teeth that grip a bearing face, spring action or another design. Judge a candidate by the exact washer and joint rather than by the label “lock washer.”

How paired wedge-lock washers work

Nord-Lock Original Washers are supplied as a pair. Each washer has cams on one side and serrations on the other. Nord-Lock says the serrations grip the mating surfaces and the cam angle exceeds the thread pitch. Under attempted loosening, movement occurs across the cams, which the company says maintains preload and prevents loosening. These are the manufacturer’s product claims, not a guarantee for every connection. Nord-Lock Original Washers product information

Nord-Lock positions the Original Washers for joints exposed to severe vibration and dynamic loads. It lists material options for general steel, stainless steel, corrosive and acidic conditions, and high temperatures. Confirm the exact product material and limits for the intended application rather than assuming every option suits every environment.

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#1 Best Overall
Vifmy SAE Split Spring Lock Washer Assortment Kit #4-1/2 304 SS 910Pcs
  • Spring Lock Washers: The sae spring lock washers assortment kit contains 9 sizes 910 pcs, which are #4(200 pcs) #6(200 pcs) #8(200 pcs) #10(130pcs) #12(80 pcs) 1/4"(44 pcs) 5/16"(36 pcs) 3/8"(14 pcs) 1/2"(6 pcs), 9 different sizes of lock washers from furniture DIY to building construction, help you get the job done
  • 304 Stainless Steel: 304 Stainless steel split lock washer are made of high-strength materials with good corrosion resistance and long service life. Compared to galvanised materials, the oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance and rust resistance are stronger, thus increasing the service life of the product
  • Split Lock Washer Function: Split washer are mainly used for nuts, bolts and screws from rotating and loosening due to vibration and friction, and play a role in preventing loosening and fixing objects to ensure the stability of machines
  • Convenient Storage: Each of the 9 different sizes of spring lock washers are individually stowed by type in an easy to carry clear case. Easy to store and use,so that the rivnut will not be lost or mixed up during use
  • Wide Application: Spring washers are highly compatible with screws, nuts and bolts of the same size and can be used to connect moving parts or to prevent loose connections, such as in furniture repair, outdoor construction, and electrical maintenance

Which lock washer should you consider?

Start with the joint and its requirements; then compare products that fit. The available product information does not establish an independent head-to-head ranking of all washer types.

Candidate or mechanism What the evidence establishes What to verify
Paired wedge-lock washer, such as Nord-Lock Original Washers Nord-Lock describes a cam-and-serration pair for vibration- and dynamic-load-exposed joints. Manufacturer product information Exact size, material, strength class compatibility, bearing surfaces, installation instructions and evidence for the particular joint.
Steel-construction washer family Nord-Lock describes its Steel Construction Washers for HV/HR assemblies and references EN 14399-3, EN 14399-4 and EN 14399-8. The product page lists sizes M12–M36 and an operating temperature range of -40°C to 150°C. These figures apply to that product family, not lock washers generally. Nord-Lock Steel Construction Washers Project specification, jurisdictional requirements, exact assembly and current technical documents. A product page alone does not establish compliance for a particular project.
Other locking mechanisms Teeth, spring action and other designs work differently; no independent comparative performance ranking is established here. Mechanism, product-specific test evidence, joint geometry, surface compatibility and environmental limits.

For steel construction, determine whether the project calls for an approved HV/HR assembly or a specified washer product. Check the applicable project documents and current manufacturer information before selection.

Rank #2
1000 Pcs Spring Lock Washers Assortment Kit – 9 SAE Sizes Split Lock Washers, 304 Stainless Steel Washers for Screws and Bolts (#4, #6, #8, #10, #12, 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2")
  • Spring Lock Washer Assortment Kit: SAE spring lock washer set includes 1000 pieces in 9 different sizes (#4, #6, #8, #10, #12, 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2"), covering a wide range of fastening needs for both daily and professional use
  • 304 Stainless Steel Material: These split lock washers are made of high-quality 304 stainless steel, which has excellent strength, rust resistance, and long-term durability. Ideal for indoor and outdoor use, they can maintain reliable performance even in wet, corrosive, or high-stress environments
  • Split Lock Washer Function: Split lock washers use spring tension to prevent nuts and bolts from loosening due to vibration or impact, ensuring a firm hold and stable operation of your equipment
  • Wide Application: Spring washers are designed to be highly compatible with standard-sized screws, nuts, and bolts, providing reliable fastening in harsh environments. Ideal for mechanical assembly, furniture repair, outdoor construction, electrical maintenance, and more
  • Convenient Storage: Spring lock washers come sorted in a clear, labeled storage box for quick access and easy organization, helping you avoid loss or mix-ups during use

What must you check before choosing a washer?

  • Bolt and joint: Confirm bolt size and strength class, and whether the fastener passes through a clearance hole or threads into a hole. Account for slots, countersinks and whether locking pairs are needed on one or both sides.
  • Bearing surfaces: Check surface hardness, coatings and any washer beneath the locking pair. Serrations need a suitable mating surface to grip as intended; a soft or coated surface can change the fit and performance.
  • Material and environment: Match the washer’s material or coating to corrosion, chemicals, temperature and lubrication conditions. Do not infer suitability from a broad product-family description.
  • Specification and evidence: Verify the exact product’s technical data, installation instructions, test method and any required certification or construction standard.

How do hole layout and mating material affect installation?

Böllhoff’s product guidance gives specific fit cautions for Nord-Lock wedge-locking washers. It says to use two pairs for through holes, recommends an enlarged outside diameter for slotted holes and soft mating materials, and cautions against use on unsecured backing washers. Follow the current product instructions for the exact assembly. Böllhoff wedge-locking washer guidance

Böllhoff also describes the pair as glued together for handling; the mechanical locking action comes from the wedge surfaces. Its product information states that “the angle between the lock washers is greater than the angle of the thread.” That description explains the mechanism, not universal suitability for every joint.

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Rank #3
Vifmy SAE & Metric Split Spring Lock Washer Assortment kit 304 SS 1780Pcs
  • Spring Lock Washers: The metric sae spring lock washers assortment kit contains 18 sizes 1780 pcs, which are M2(200 pcs),M2.5(200 pcs),M3(200 pcs),M4(180 pcs),M5(100 pcs),M6(100 pcs),M8(80 pcs),M10(40 pcs),M12(20 pcs) #4(100pcs) #6(100 pcs) #8(100 pcs) #10(80pcs) #12(60 pcs) 1/4"(100 pcs) 5/16"(60 pcs) 3/8"(40 pcs) 1/2"(20 pcs), 18 different sizes of lock washers from furniture DIY to building construction, help you get the job done
  • 304 Stainless Steel: 304 Stainless steel split lock washer are made of high-strength materials with good corrosion resistance and long service life. Compared to galvanised materials, the oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance and rust resistance are stronger, thus increasing the service life of the product
  • Split Lock Washer Function: Split washer are mainly used for nuts, bolts and screws from rotating and loosening due to vibration and friction, and play a role in preventing loosening and fixing objects to ensure the stability of machines
  • Convenient Storage: Each of the 18 different sizes of spring lock washers are individually stowed by type in an easy to carry clear case. Easy to store and use, so that the rivnut will not be lost or mixed up during use
  • Wide Application: Spring washers are highly compatible with screws, nuts and bolts of the same size and can be used to connect moving parts or to prevent loose connections, such as in furniture repair, outdoor construction, and electrical maintenance
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How should you make the final selection?

  1. Identify the application: Record the bolt size and strength class, hole layout, joint materials, surface condition, expected loads and vibration, and operating environment.
  2. Check the governing requirements: Review project specifications and applicable standards, especially for structural steel or other regulated assemblies.
  3. Compare compatible products: Assess locking action, geometry, bearing-surface fit, material or coating, temperature and corrosion limits, installation requirements and documented test evidence.
  4. Confirm the assembly: Use the manufacturer’s current technical documents and obtain an application-specific engineering review when the connection’s safety or compliance depends on the choice.

Nord-Lock’s selection-guide search-result content, accessed in 2026, attributes a minimum 1,000 hours in a salt-spray test according to ISO 9227 to its product selection information. The guide page could not be opened, so this is a manufacturer-attributed figure, not an independently verified or universal corrosion rating. Nord-Lock Original Washers selection guide

Manufacturer specifications, certifications and product ranges can change. Confirm current documentation for the target market and assembly; no single product-page description establishes suitability for every industrial joint.

Best Value
Instockbolt 1/4" Split Lock Washer, 18-8 (304) Stainless Steel Spring Lock Washer 150PCS
  • 【Dimension】1/4"
  • 【High Quality Stainless】This split lock washer provides a circular bearing surface with offset split ends which help bite into the mating material to provide a locking feature when tightened beneath a nut.
  • 【What You Get】100pcs x Split Lock Washer
  • 【Rest Assured】24h private customer service to respond to after-sales problems.If you don't know what size is right for you, feel free to contact us.
Rank #4
binifiMux 1150pcs M2 M2.5 M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 M10 M12 Spring Lock Washers Assortment Kit, 304 Stainless Steel
  • Name: Split lock washers assortment kit;
  • Include size: M2, M2.5, M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M10, M12;
  • If you receive defect units, please contact my team first for satisfying your needs;
  • Features: anti-rust, corrosion resistance, strong strength.
  • Commonly used together with flat washers to furthur fasten the screws / bolts by more friction force from split lock washers.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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