Wedge Lock Washer
The wedge lock system was engineered and designed to create a beveled washer locking system that utilizes tension over friction to secure bolts that are susceptible to loosening due to heavy loads and extreme vibration. A wedge washer can save significant time and money over standard washers since they have lower maintenance costs and are not associated with work stoppage or accident claims.
The wedge lock washer purpose is to successfully secure a beveled wedge washer to a bolted joint, especially when the bolt is prone to loosening due to extreme vibrations or movement. Wedge washers have been meticulously tested to ensure that they can perform to their designed capabilities without loosening or breaking.
How Do Wedge Lock Washers Work?
A wedge washer is engineered with the same wedge-locking design as a standard washer, but with a beveled washer design that enlarges the outer diameter of the washer. This type of design allows for weight to be distributed equally throughout the entirety of the washer, which provides a softer connection for applications that require increased sensitivity. The wedge lock system removes any possibility that the washer can unintentionally loosen itself within the prescribed system structure of the wedge lock washer and coupled bolt. Additionally, wedge lock washers provide the perfect locking solution for softer materials, large or slotted holes, and painted or sensitive areas.
Advantages of Wedge Washers
A wedge lock system provides a convenient and effective way to secure bolt joints that may be susceptible to loosening when used with a standard washer. Since a wedge washer harnesses tension instead of friction within an application, it can provide a more secure hold than standard washers. Some of the additional benefits associated with a wedge lock system include:
- High corrosion resistance
- Heavy-duty self-locking design
- Reliable locking, even for joints with short clamp length
- Reusability
- Installs quickly and easily with standard tools
- Lubrication does not affect performance
Applications of Wedge Lock Washers
The wedge washer's purpose is to effectively secure bolt joints in even the most extreme environments. Beveled washers outperform conventional washers in a wide range of applications that commonly produce corrosion, stress, and vibration, these include:
- Construction Equipment
- Heavy Rail
- Logging Equipment
- Marine
- Automotive
- Solar
- Wind
- Mining
- Waste management
- Oil drilling
Installation Procedure for our Wedge Lock Washer
Are you wondering how to use lock washers vs. lock nuts? To correctly install a wedge washer, the washer must be placed between the nut and the joint material. When the nut begins to tighten one half of the washer will be connected to the nut and the other to the joint material. Once the washer is securely connected to both the nut and the joint material, it will lock into place and will not loosen.
Locked Beveled Washer Options
Like most other types of fasteners, wedge lock washers are available in a wide range of sizes and materials, depending on your specific application requirements. Some of the material options that we stock for our wedge lock washers include the following:
- Stainless Steel
- Chrome
- Inconel 718
- Monel
- 254 SMO
- Titanium
- Zinc
- Hastelloy C-276
Contact Fastener Solutions for your Wedge Lock Washer Needs Today
If you looking to purchase any size quantity of wedge washers, consider Fastener Solutions for your direct sourcing needs. At Fastener Solutions, we understand that it can be tremendously frustrating waiting for the materials that you need to finish a job on time. That is why we provide accelerated next-day shipping, so you have the materials you need, when you need them. Our fastener specialists are extremely knowledgeable in all facets of the industry and can answer any questions that you may have. So, if we can help in any way, just let us know; we are here to support you every inch of the way!
Contact us for more information on beveled washers and the wedge lock system, or request a quote today for an in-depth price analysis.