What are Brass Washers?

Brass washers are precision-engineered components designed to distribute the load of threaded fasteners, such as bolts and screws, more evenly. These small yet crucial parts function as a buffer between the fastener head and the surface it contacts, minimising wear, reducing friction and providing a smooth, consistent assembly.

With their excellent conductive properties, brass washers are particularly valued in applications where electrical conductivity is a priority. Their use is also common in environments that require corrosion resistance, making them an ideal choice for both industrial and residential applications.

How Brass Washers Work

In practice, brass washers play a pivotal role in the overall integrity of an assembly. When placed under a bolt or screw, a brass washer ensures that the applied force is spread evenly across the surface, preventing damage to the material underneath. This is particularly important in softer materials like wood or plastic, where without a washer, the fastener might pull through or deform the material.

Brass washers are widely used across various industries, from automotive to electronics, due to their versatility and reliability. For instance, in electrical applications, brass shim washers are often employed to achieve precise spacing between components while maintaining conductivity. Meanwhile, brass penny washers, with their larger diameter, are used in applications that require a wider load distribution, such as in joinery or cabinetry installations.

Materials Brass Washers Are Made From

Accu's brass washers are exclusively made from brass, a material known for its robustness and resistance to corrosion. Brass offers a unique combination of strength, durability and electrical conductivity, making it an ideal choice for environments exposed to moisture or corrosive elements. The alloy's ability to resist tarnish over time ensures that components not only perform well but also maintain their appearance, which is particularly beneficial in visible or decorative applications.

Additionally, the non-magnetic properties of brass washers make them suitable for use in sensitive electronic equipment where magnetic interference must be minimised. The material's machinability also allows for the production of washers with highly precise dimensions, ensuring our brass shim washers are a perfect fit for any project application.

Size and Type of Brass Washers Available

At Accu, our brass washers range in size to accommodate various thread sizes, from M4 (4mm) up to M16 (16mm). This range ensures compatibility with a wide array of fasteners, whether you're working on a small-scale project or a large industrial installation. Thicknesses vary from 0.55mm to 3.3mm, providing flexibility in choosing the right washer for your specific needs.

For those requiring exact spacing solutions, brass shim washers offer precision thicknesses, making them ideal for applications that demand accurate component alignment. On the other hand, brass penny washers, with their larger diameters, are designed for situations where a broader surface area needs support, such as in structural or decorative applications.

For those interested in exploring other washer materials or types, we also offer a wide range of copper washers and nylon washers that provide unique benefits depending on your specific application requirements.

FAQs

Q: What are brass washers used for?

A: Brass washers are commonly used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, like a bolt or screw, more evenly. They are ideal for applications that require corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity or a non-magnetic solution. Typical uses include electrical assemblies, plumbing and automotive systems.

Q: Can you reuse brass crush washers?

A: Brass crush washers are generally designed for single-use. When tightened, they deform to create a seal, making them less effective if reused. For safety and performance, it’s recommended to replace them with a new washer during reassembly.

Q: Is a brass washer magnetic?

A: No, brass washers are not magnetic. Brass is a non-ferrous metal, meaning it does not contain iron and therefore does not exhibit magnetic properties. This makes brass washers ideal for use in applications where magnetic interference is a concern.

Q: What is the difference between brass and copper washers?

A: While both brass and copper washers offer excellent corrosion resistance, brass washers are typically stronger and more durable due to the alloying of copper with zinc. Copper washers, on the other hand, offer superior electrical conductivity and are more malleable, making them better suited for applications that require a tight seal or high conductivity.

Bespoke Brass Washers Manufacture.

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