Why Conicals are superior

Standing on the shoulders of giants

Make no mistake, we have nothing but respect for the original thinkers who gave the world the elegant effectiveness of the wedge lock washer. If mimicry is the greatest compliment then no surprise that many have copied the original design with no shame at all. We however stumbled upon our own version as we specialise in Conical Disc Springs, and the integration of the wedge lock with a disc spring seemed an obvious evolution.

Both conical wedge lock washers and standard wedge lock washers are designed to prevent loosening by maintaining preload in the bolted connection, especially in high-vibration environments. However, conical wedge lock washers have unique features that offer specific advantages. Here's a comparison:

1.Enhanced Load Distribution

• Conical Wedge Lock Washer: These have a conical (tapered or dished) shape, which acts like a spring when compressed. This design distributes the load more evenly across the bolted joint, reducing stress concentrations on the contact surface. It’s like spreading the weight of a heavy object over a larger area to avoid damage.
• Standard Wedge Lock Washer: While effective at preventing loosening, they are typically flat and don’t provide the same spring-like load distribution. This can lead to higher localized stress, especially on softer materials.
• Advantage: Conical versions are better for protecting delicate or softer surfaces (e.g., aluminum or composites) and maintaining consistent clamping force.

2. Improved Compensation for Settling or Thermal Expansion

• Conical Wedge Lock Washer: The conical shape allows them to act as a spring, compensating for small movements caused by material settling, thermal expansion/contraction, or surface creep (when materials compress over time). This helps maintain preload even if the joint shifts slightly.
• Standard Wedge Lock Washer: They rely primarily on the wedge-locking mechanism to resist loosening but don’t inherently compensate for changes in joint thickness or expansion.
• Advantage: Conical washers are better suited for applications with temperature fluctuations (e.g., engines or outdoor structures) or where materials may settle over time.

3. Higher Preload Retention in Dynamic Loads

• Conical Wedge Lock Washer: The spring effect increases their ability to absorb dynamic loads (e.g., shocks or cyclic forces) without losing preload. This makes them ideal for heavy machinery or vehicles where constant movement is a factor.
• Standard Wedge Lock Washer: While excellent for vibration resistance, they may not handle dynamic load changes as effectively, especially in extreme conditions.
• Advantage: Conical washers provide better performance in applications with frequent or intense dynamic forces.

4. Suitability for Uneven or Non-Parallel Surfaces

• Conical Wedge Lock Washer: Their spring-like design can accommodate slightly uneven or non-parallel surfaces, ensuring a secure connection even if the joint isn’t perfectly flat.
• Standard Wedge Lock Washer: These require flatter, more uniform surfaces for optimal grip, as their flat design doesn’t adapt as well to irregularities.
• Advantage: Conical washers are more forgiving in less-than-ideal assembly conditions, which is helpful for DIY or field repairs.

5. Reduced Risk of Surface Damage

• Conical Wedge Lock Washer: The spring-like action reduces the need for excessive bolt torque, which can lower the risk of damaging softer materials or coatings. The load is spread more evenly, minimizing surface indentation.
• Standard Wedge Lock Washer: Their teeth can dig into softer surfaces, potentially causing damage if not carefully matched to the material.
• Advantage: Conical washers are safer for delicate or coated surfaces, making them versatile for a wider range of materials.

Key Considerations

• Trade-offs: Conical wedge lock washers may be slightly more expensive and bulkier due to their design, which could be a factor in tight spaces or cost-sensitive projects. They also require proper installation (correct orientation and torque) to maximize their benefits, just like standard wedge lock washers.
• Applications: Conical versions shine in industries like automotive, aerospace, or heavy equipment, where dynamic loads, thermal changes, or softer materials are common. Standard wedge lock washers are sufficient for simpler, high-vibration setups with hard, flat surfaces.

Think of a conical wedge lock washer as a "springy" version of a standard wedge lock washer. It not only locks the bolt against vibrations (like the standard one) but also cushions the joint, spreads the force better, and adapts to changes like heat or settling. It’s like upgrading from a regular lock to a smart lock—it does the same job but with extra features for tougher situations. Choose conical washers when your project involves softer materials, uneven surfaces, or changing conditions. Always check manufacturer specs for size, material, and torque settings to get the best results.

Why chose our Conical Wedge Lock Washers?

We only ever will use high quality spring steel, mostly from a Chrome Vanadium Alloy, whilst others stoop so low as to use forms of low carbon steel. These metals do not then get subjected to the quenching and tempering cycles we apply, and cannot reach either the hardness nor toughness of our wedge lock washers. This is why are conical wedge lock washers are effective on the hardest of bolting classes (12.9), even toolsteel, and are hence re-usable.

Where can you buy conical wedge lock washers?

You are at the right place! Our online store has sizes from M10 to M125 in stock, in Both Right Hand Thread as well as Left Hand Thread, made from Spring Steel and with Zinc Plating or Black Oxide surface protection.

This 1-pager provides a summary of target preload, and required torque , by bolt size and bolt class, for a range of k-factors.