What are Imperial External Locking Washers?

Imperial External Locking Washers, technically referred to as external tooth lock washers, are an indispensable facet of precision engineering. Featuring prongs that extend radially outward, these washers are designed to prevent fasteners such as screws and bolts from unwinding, even under heavy loads or vibrational stress. A go-to component in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery, these washers are tailored for fastenings where maintaining structural integrity and stability are paramount.

How Imperial External Locking Washers Work.

Imperial External Locking Washers operate through a unique principle known as the "wedge effect". Their external teeth or prongs bite into the bearing surfaces, both of the fastener head and the joint material, creating a strong, reliable interlock. This biting action leads to increased frictional resistance against rotation, keeping the fastener securely in place. The inherent spring action of these washers compensates for any loosening effects that can result from material surface settling or thermal expansions and contractions.

What Material Are Imperial External Locking Washers Made From.

Crafted for optimum resilience and strength, our Imperial External Locking Washers are constructed from A2 Stainless Steel. This type of stainless steel is known for its excellent resistance to both oxidation and corrosive environments, ensuring a longer service life even in demanding conditions. Moreover, for specialised requirements that demand a discrete aesthetic or heightened performance, our AccuBlack service can provide a matte black finish, enhancing the washer's corrosion resistance while reducing glare and visibility.

What Size and Type Imperial External Locking Washers Are Available?.

Catering to an extensive range of industrial applications, Accu provides Imperial External Locking Washers in sizes that accommodate thread sizes from 1/4 inch for smaller, precision fasteners, up to a hefty 1 inch for larger, high-torque installations. Tailored to dovetail with a diverse array of fasteners, our washers are compatible with a range of bolt types, including the precision engineering standards of Imperial Hex Bolts and Imperial Socket Cap Screws.

FAQs.

Q: What sets Imperial External Locking Washers apart from their flat or split counterparts?.

A: The distinctive feature of Imperial External Locking Washers is their external teeth, which exert a 'biting' action against both the fastener and the joint material. This creates a secure interlock, offering superior resistance against rotational loosening compared to flat imperial washers.

Q: How do Imperial External Locking Washers cope with outdoor environments?.

A: Thanks to their construction from A2 Stainless Steel, our Imperial External Locking Washers exhibit superior resistance to oxidation and corrosive elements, making them well-suited for outdoor installations. The optional AccuBlack finish enhances this further, while also providing a discreet aesthetic.

Q: Are the teeth on an Imperial External Locking Washer only functional during installation?.

A: No, the teeth of the washer serve an ongoing purpose. They create a sustained interlock that increases the frictional resistance against rotational movement, maintaining the integrity of the fastener assembly even under dynamic conditions.

Q: How can I ensure I select the correct size of Imperial External Locking Washer?.

A: The optimal washer size should match the bolt or screw diameter it's to be used with. Accu provides a broad range, catering to thread sizes from 1/4 inch up to 1 inch, facilitating a precision fit for a wide array of applications.

Q: Does Accu require a minimum order quantity for Imperial External Locking Washers?.

A: Accu is committed to meeting diverse customer needs. As such, we don't impose a minimum order quantity, offering our customers the flexibility to purchase from a single washer to large-scale orders of thousands.

Bespoke Imperial External Locking Washers Manufacture.

High precision, bespoke manufacture of Imperial External Locking Washers to customer specification. State of the art facilities specialising in both small batch prototyping and large scale manufacture.

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