While bolts, nuts, and screws are used to secure a particular object, sometimes they require a little help. A simple and ring-type disk is used between your fasteners to distribute the load. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss why nuts and bolts (Schrauben und Muttern) are used with washers and how to use them together. Let’s get started:
What are Washers, Bolts and Nuts Used for? (Wofür werden Unterlegscheiben, Schrauben und Muttern verwendet?)
A nut is a type of small metal object that has a small hole in the middle, and its curved holes are called threads. Nuts are used to fasten the device. The reason for its circular shape is that this is where the bolt stem fits. The nuts have a separate locking mechanism that prevents different parts of the machine from loosening because of parts’ vibration.
On the other hand, bolts look like cylindrical trunks with the threaded stem. The bolt goes through a nut’s hole, and with a rotation, the nut helps in tightening the object with the help of the bolt.
A washer is a form of thin plate with a connecting hole that is used to distribute the pressure of a threaded fastener. Basically, a washer prevents the nut and bolt head from scratching the surface of two fastened parts that could loosen the fastener.
4 Reasons You Need to Use Nut, Bolt with Washer (4 Gründe, warum Sie Mutter, Schraube mit Unterlegscheibe verwenden müssen)
There are various reasons to use a nut, bolt with washer (Schraube mit Unterlegscheibe). Take a look at the following section to know the reasons:
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Distribute the weight (Verteilen Sie das Gewicht)
The primary reason for several washers is to divide the threaded fastener with shared material equally. If you are forcing a screw within the wood, then it may cause a crack around the wooden piece surface. Here, washers minimize the risk of this type of damage as they equally divide fasteners’ pressure or load across the surface of the material. It is not mandatory to use a washer with all materials, but materials such as wood or other soft materials washers work well. Here washers can protect from pressure-related damage after piercing the threaded fastener into the material. Thus, it is recommended to use nuts, washers and bolts (Unterlegscheiben und Schrauben) together to distribute the pressure.
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To prevent friction (Um Reibung zu vermeiden)
When two materials perform their task by moving in an opposing direction, then those two parts contacting each other can cause friction and damage both materials. If washers, nuts, and bolts (Unterlegscheiben, Muttern und Schrauben) are used together, then the likelihood of friction can be reduced.
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Absorb vibration (Schwingungen absorbieren)
Various types of washers are used to absorb vibration. These types of washers are called vibration damping or vibration–isolating washers. These washers are non-metal components. Generally, these components are made of softer materials such as rubber, plastic or urethane. Here, more fragile material is better at absorbing vibrations as compared to hard materials such as metal. When a threaded fastener joins two objects, then one of those components generates aggressive vibration. At this time, one can make use of vibration-damping washers to prevent it from damaging another component or object.
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To prevent loosening (Um ein Lösen zu verhindern)
Various factors can be responsible for the loosening of your nuts and bolts (Schrauben und Muttern). If the surface you are fastening is likely to vibrate, then there is a high chance that your fastener will release its hold. In this situation, a spring washer can be used. They come with a cup shape that uses force over the washer’s contact edges. The force helps in keeping the grip strong.
How to Use Nut, Bolt with Washer? (Wie verwendet man Mutter, Schraube mit Unterlegscheibe?)
The following are some steps that you must follow to use these tools together.
- Determine the right size of the nuts, washers and bolts (Unterlegscheiben und Schrauben) for your application. It is based on the connection type being made, the material being used, the bolt’s strength, regulations and the standard for the application.
- Locate the first washer on the bolt’s shaft. If you are using a locked washer, then it should be located on the bolt after a second standard washer.
- Adjust the holes for the connection you are making and press the bolt shaft through them. The washers must be pushed between the bolt head and the material of the connection.
- Place the second washer on the portion of the bolt shaft that is joining out from the joint.
- Now, thread the nut onto the bolt shaft by twisting clockwise. Tighten the nut with your hand so that it is pushed against the washers.
- Make use of the right-sized wrench or spanner to tighten the nut against washers.
Conclusion (Fazit)
Mostly, it is recommended to use washers because they can help distribute the pressure the fasteners are likely to bear. However, you can use washers, nuts, and bolts together by considering the nature of the task. In addition to this, you can follow the above steps to use them accurately.