Washers

The Right Washer for Every Fixing Job

A washer sits between a bolt head or nut and the surface being fixed. It spreads the load. Without one, the fastener can dig in, damage the material, or work loose over time.

Different jobs need different washers. A standard flat washer suits general bolted connections. A penny washer spreads load over a much wider area. A square plate washer works well where timber or soft materials need extra support. A spring washer adds resistance to loosening in vibrating joints.

All products are from TIMCO. Most are available in packs of 10, 20, 30, 60 or 100 pieces. Mixed trays are also available for workshop stock or trade use.

Types of Washers

Use the product type filter to find the right washer for your job. Here is a summary of what each type does.

Carbon Steel or Stainless Steel?

Most washers are carbon steel with a zinc and clear Cr3 finish. This gives reasonable corrosion resistance for indoor and sheltered use. The Cr3 coating is a trivalent chromium passivate.

A2-304 austenitic stainless steel options are available for penny washers and Form A flat washers. These are suited to external or damp environments where a zinc-plated carbon steel washer would not last as well.

A small number of products use hot dipped galvanised or standard galvanised finishes. One aluminium washer is also available. Check the individual product specification before ordering if the finish matters for your job.

Available Bolt Sizes and Dimensions

Metric bolt sizes from M5 through to M24. Not every washer type is available in every size. Use the filters to find what is available for your bolt size.

Square plate washer dimensions range from 40x40mm up to 50x50mm. Plate thickness is either 3mm or 5mm depending on the product. Always check the individual product page for exact dimensions before ordering.

How to Choose the Right Washer

Start with your bolt size. This narrows the range straight away. Then think about what the washer needs to do.

Penny Washers vs Flat Washers vs Square Plate Washers

These three types are often confused. Here is how they differ.

A flat washer (Form A, B or C) has a standard circular shape with a defined inner and outer diameter to a metric DIN standard. The outer diameter is relatively close to the bolt size.

A penny washer (DIN9054) has a much larger outer diameter relative to its hole size. It is designed to spread load over a wide area. The name comes from the resemblance to an old penny coin. They are also called repair washers because they are used to reinforce a damaged or oversized hole.

A square plate washer has a square body rather than a round one. This gives a larger clamping surface in a compact shape. Useful in corners, against timber, or where a round washer would not sit well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the Right Washer for Your Project

Use the filters to narrow by product type, material, bolt size and finish. Check individual product pages for exact dimensions and pack quantities before ordering.

Whether you need penny washers for repair work, square plate washers for structural timber, Form A flat washers for general bolted joints, or bonded washers for roofing fixings, the range covers a practical selection of sizes and materials for trade and site use.

Related Fixings and Fasteners

Washers are often used alongside nuts and bolts. Browse our nuts collection and engineering fasteners for matching components.

If you need bonded washers or caps for use with roofing screws, our washers, caps and sheet fixings covers products designed for specific screw types.

For structural timber work, see our structural fixings for related fixing hardware.