Day 8 - The Most Overlooked Part in Fastening — The Washer | Fasteners Training

Lead Content Writer, Arslok
Jul 29
2 min read

In the world of fasteners, bolts and nuts get all the attention.

But often, it’s the washer — a seemingly small and simple component — that plays a critical role in the performance, longevity, and reliability of the joint.

Yet in thousands of industrial assemblies across India, washers are either:

Not used at all,
Used incorrectly, or
Selected without understanding their function.

Let’s set the record straight.

🔍 So, What Does a Washer Actually Do?

Washers serve as more than just a spacer or filler. They are mechanical saviors in the fastener ecosystem. Here's why:

1. Distribute Load Evenly

A bolt head or nut, when tightened, applies a tremendous load. Without a washer, this load concentrates on a small surface, potentially damaging the material beneath.

2. Prevent Loosening Under Vibration

Spring washers, lock washers, and toothed washers are designed to absorb shock and vibration, reducing the chance of the fastener backing out.

3. Protect Surface Finish

In high-end machinery or painted assemblies, washers prevent scuffing or digging of fastener heads into the material.

4. Prevent Galvanic Corrosion

In multi-metal assemblies (e.g., aluminum with steel bolts), washers act as a barrier layer to avoid electrochemical corrosion.

5. Compensate for Irregularities

On uneven surfaces, washers help balance and stabilize the load — maintaining torque and tension.

🚫 The Real Cost of Ignoring Washers

Industrial breakdowns often begin with tiny mistakes — one of them is assuming “a washer doesn’t matter.”

In reality:

Vibration loosening can lead to structural damage
Uneven loads cause warping or component fatigue
Wrong washer choice can negate entire product warranties

A 50-paise washer can prevent a ₹50,000 failure — that’s the cost of ignorance in mechanical engineering.

📚 At Arslok, We Don’t Just Market Fasteners — We Educate & Empower (Fasteners Training)

Many salespeople and even engineers in the fastener industry lack technical depth, especially when it comes to real-world applications and customer education.

That’s why Arslok launched a dedicated Fasteners Training Program — combining:

Technical Training (Grades, Torque, Materials, Use-Cases)
Sales Training (How to Sell Value, Not Just Price)
Application-Based Learning (Industry-specific requirements)

🎓 Meet the Master Trainer: Maninder Singh Sond

Founder of Arslok, with 22+ years of industry experience, Maninder has worked in fasteners, tools, and industrial marketing — across the entire value chain: from factory floor to global trade shows.

He’s trained: