Use of Washers

[racephotoman]

Just wondering if washers should always be placed on the bolt & nut. I always did, but see FFR doesn't usually supply enough to do so.

Thanks

Walter

[NAZ]

Many times yes, but not in all cases. A hole that is properly sized and chamfered may not require a washer and a washer may not be desirable.

Remember that when using flat washers on high-strength fasteners you want to use hardened washers not the kind you get from Chepo Depot. There is also a correct way to install a flat washer. If you look under the head of a bolt you will notice it has a small radius at the intersection of the head and shank to prevent stress risers that could cause a failure. When washers are stamped out they have a burr and you want to install that burr away from the head of the bolt so you don't damage that radius. Hardened washers have a chamfer for clearance of the radius under the head of the bolt.

[lance corsi]

I use washers whenever a bolt goes thru a slot, but not always on both sides. Naz is correct about washer/bolt interface.