What Is a Captive Washer?
A captive washer is a metal plate-like component inserted between a screw and a nut to prevent the screw from loosening.
Its effectiveness lies in its ability to increase the surface area in contact with the part being fastened, thereby increasing friction and reducing the likelihood of the fastener loosening over time. This is particularly important in applications subject to frequent vibrations or impacts, such as in machinery, automotive assemblies, construction projects, and other dynamic environments.
Featuring a pre-drilled hole to accommodate the screw, captive washers simplify assembly processes by ensuring the washer remains with the screw or nut, eliminating the risk of loss or incorrect assembly. Noteworthy for their diversity, affordability, and ease of installation, captive washers enhance the reliability of fastened joints across a wide range of screw types and application scenarios.