If you have ever put anything together, you likely already know how important locking washers can be. Although small, washers have a definite purpose, which is to evenly distribute the pressure of the nut or bolt over the part that is being locked down. A locking washer can eliminate the possibility of the part loosening caused by vibrations. Self-locking washers are both inexpensive and important, so there is no excuse not to use them.

Suppliers of locking washers exist nearly everywhere, allowing every company to obtain these crucial parts. There are many ways to purchase them:

1. Buy locking washers from brick and mortar stores.

2. Find locking washers from parts stores online.

3. Purchase the part in bulk from locking washer distributors to save money.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find locking washers at a local hardware store

If you prefer to do your purchasing in person vs. online, you still have plenty of options to buy locking washers. Take a trip to the local hardware store, or visit a larger chain store. Both types of stores will carry locking washers, making them easy to obtain. If you are computer-savvy but need the washers now, you can check out store websites to find the washer you want, call to make sure it is in and then pick it up from the store the same day.

I recommend: If you live in New England, check out the Aubuchon Hardware website to find the industrial locking washer you need before visiting the store to purchase it. At your local Do it Best store, you can purchase the washer online and pick it up at the store nearest you at your convenience.

Visit the websites of locking washer manufacturers to purchase parts online

If you prefer to purchase parts from the comfort of your office computer, you have plenty of options. Many sites sell hardware, and many locking washer manufacturers offer their catalog of products on the Internet. Often, you can find good deals and a large selection by shopping online.

I recommend: Seastrom Manufacturing makes washers and other small parts. Simply choose the style of locking washer you need to easily get what you want. WM Berg offers more than 2,000 locking washers to choose from.

Save money by buying in bulk from sellers of locking washers

If you know you will need several locking washers, it is wise to buy them all at once. Many companies offer a discount when you buy a certain amount of locking washers at one time. Some companies even offer bulk packs of 100 or more washers at a low price, allowing you to simply buy packages of the product.

I recommend: West Marine sells packs of 100 lock washers for under a dollar each, so choose your washer size and save. Small Parts offers special bulk order pricing for very large orders of locking washers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure that you know the type of material you need when choosing a locking washer. Most are made of carbon steel, stainless steel, bronze, K-Monel, phosphor bronze alloy or aluminum. You should also know the inside and outside diameter and thickness that is necessary before ordering.