Penny Washers

Description

Penny washers are flat, round metal or plastic disks with a central hole designed to accommodate bolts, screws, or other types of fasteners. What distinguishes them from standard flat washers is their large outer diameter. This feature helps spread the load or clamping force of the fastener over a broader area, minimizing damage to the surface material and preventing the fastener from pulling through.

Typically, the inner hole size of a penny washer matches a specific bolt or screw diameter (e.g., M6, M8), while the outer diameter can be up to three or four times that size. They are commonly produced in metric and imperial sizes and can be found in a variety of materials to suit different environmental and load conditions.

Key Functions and Benefits of Penny Washers

1. Load Distribution:
   The primary function of penny washers is to distribute the load of a threaded fastener over a larger surface area. This reduces the risk of the fastener embedding into or damaging the material, especially in soft materials like wood, plastic, or thin sheet metal.

2. Preventing Pull-Through:
   In applications involving thin or soft materials, fasteners can pull through the material under load. The large surface area of penny washers prevents this from happening, making them ideal for sheet metal and insulation work.

3. Surface Protection:
   Penny washers act as a barrier between the fastener and the surface material. This protects the material from deformation, scratches, or damage caused by fastener torque.

4. Reinforcement and Repair:
   They are often used in repair scenarios where materials have worn out or been damaged around mounting holes. By using a penny washer, the area can be reinforced to allow continued use without replacing the entire component.

5. Improved Aesthetics:
   In some decorative or exposed applications, large washers can provide a more uniform and finished appearance to assemblies.

Applications of Penny Washers

Penny washers are widely used across various sectors:

• Construction: Used in timber framing, cladding, roofing, and when anchoring bolts into soft materials like drywall or insulation boards.

• Automotive: Employed in bodywork repairs, securing panels, or plastic parts where thin material needs additional support.

• Electrical & Electronics: Nylon penny washers are used for insulating fasteners and protecting sensitive components.

• Marine: Stainless steel variants are ideal for high-moisture or saltwater environments due to their corrosion resistance.

• Furniture Assembly: Used to prevent damage to particle board or MDF by spreading the load over a wider area.

• DIY & Home Repairs: Commonly found in toolkits for general repair and reinforcement tasks around the home.

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