Nut Bolt Washer: Types, Uses, Materials and How to Choose

The right nut bolt washer combination depends on factors such as size, thread, material, grade, standard, and application. In this guide, you can understand how nuts, bolts, and washers work together, explore their common types, including those with beveled edges, and learn what to consider when selecting them for an industrial requirement.

If you already know your requirement, you can explore Big Bolt Nut's products or contact our team for a quotation on common fasteners and specialized components.

What Are Nuts, Bolts and Washers?

A bolt is a threaded fastening component used to join two or more parts, generally with a compatible nut or threaded hole, such as a screw.

A nut is an internally threaded component that engages with the bolt thread to secure the joint and prevent damage.

A washer is a thin component with a central hole that is commonly placed beneath a nut or bolt head. Depending on its design and application, it can help distribute the load, protect the bearing surface, or provide a specific function within the fastening assembly, such as reducing friction.

In a typical connection, the bolt passes through the parts being joined, while the nut, often a hexagonal-head type, provides the clamping force. A washer may be placed between the fastener and the connected surface where required, typically a flat washer for better contact.

The important point is that the bolt, nut, and washer should be selected as a compatible assembly, rather than as three unrelated components.

How Do Nuts, Bolts and Washers Work Together?

A basic nut, bolt and washer assembly can be represented as:

Bolt → Washer → Joint → Washer → Nut

The bolt passes through the components being joined, often requiring a flat washer for optimal load distribution. The nut engages with the bolt thread and is tightened to secure the connection. Washers can provide a suitable bearing surface and distribute the applied load over a larger area where required.

However, the exact arrangement depends on the joint design and applicable specifications. Some assemblies may require one washer, two washers, or a specialized washer, while others may not require a washer in the same way.

When selecting a complete assembly, check:

• Bolt diameter and length
• Nut size and thread
• Thread type and pitch are crucial specifications for ensuring the compatibility of fasteners used in assemblies.
• Washer inner and outer diameter
• Material
• Grade or property class
• Applicable standard
• Load requirements
• Operating environment
• Installation requirements in the construction industry

Types of Bolts

Big Bolt Nut's range includes different types of fasteners and components. headed bolts, HV bolts, high-tensile bolts, stainless steel bolts, structural bolts, T-bolts, 12-point bolts, and bolts with hexagonal heads, among other products. Its headed bolt range covers larger diameters from M16 to M72 for applicable products.

Headed Bolts

Headed bolts are widely used for industrial and structural connections. Their head provides a surface for applying torque during installation.

BBN manufactures larger-diameter headed bolts in different grades, materials, thread configurations, and standards according to applicable requirements.

Explore Headed Bolts →

High-Tensile Bolts

High-tensile bolts are used where the bolted connection requires higher mechanical strength.

Depending on the requirement, BBN offers grades such as 8.8, 10.9, 12.9, B7, and L7, along with stainless steel grades for applicable products.

View High Tensile Fasteners →

Structural and HV Bolts

Structural and HV bolts are designed for specified structural fastening systems in the construction industry. Their selection should be based on the applicable project standard rather than simply the bolt's appearance.

Types of Nuts

A nut needs to match the bolt's thread and dimensions. Its material and strength should also be suitable for the complete fastening system.

BBN manufactures nuts, including hex nuts, heavy hex nuts, HV nuts, and hex lock nuts, with metric and UNC options for applicable products.

Hex Nuts

Hex nuts have six external sides that allow them to be tightened with a suitable tool. They are widely used with compatible bolts, like nuts, in industrial and structural assemblies.

View Hex Nuts

Heavy Hex Nuts

Heavy hex nuts have larger dimensions than standard hex nuts and are commonly used in structural and high-strength fastening systems where specified.

View Heavy Hex Nuts

HV Nuts

HV nuts form part of high-strength structural bolting systems and should be used with compatible HV bolts and washers according to the relevant specification.

View HV Nuts

Hex Lock Nuts

Lock nuts are designed for applications where resistance to loosening is required. The appropriate type should be selected according to the joint and operating conditions.

View Hex Lock Nuts

Explore Industrial Nuts and other common fasteners →

Types of Washers

Washers are available in different designs, such as round and square heads, because they do not all perform exactly the same function.

The most common purpose of a washer is to provide a suitable bearing surface and distribute the load from the nut or bolt head while minimizing damage. Specialized washer designs may provide additional functions depending on the application.

BBN's washer range includes flat, round, and countersunk head designs for various applications. BBN provides standard washers, HV washers, spring washers, and chamfered washers to suit various applications involving friction..

Standard Washers

Standard washers are commonly used to distribute the load of a nut or bolt over a larger surface area.

BBN manufactures standard washers in sizes from M16 to M72 and applicable inch sizes, with options including carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, and different types of plastic washers.

Explore Standard Washers →

HV Washers

HV washers are used with compatible HV bolts and nuts in high-strength structural applications.

BBN manufactures HV washers from M16 to M72 and applicable inch sizes. According to standards, including EN 14399-6 and DIN 6916, standards are essential for ensuring proper flange design in fastening applications.

Explore HV Washers →

Spring Washers

Spring washers are used in applications where their particular design and spring action are specified as part of the fastening arrangement.

View Spring Washers →

Chamfered Washers

Chamfered washers are designed for applications where the washer shape needs to match the specified joint or structural fastening system.

How to Choose the Right Nut Bolt Washer

Choosing a nut, bolt, and washer should start with the joint requirement, not simply the product name.

1. Select the Correct Size

The bolt diameter, nut dimensions, and washer dimensions must be compatible.

For example, an M24 bolt requires a compatible M24 nut and an appropriate flat washer according to the applicable standard.

2. Match the Thread

The nut and bolt must have compatible threads.

Depending on the requirement, industrial fasteners may use metric or UNC threads to accommodate different stress levels. Thread diameter and pitch should be checked before ordering.

3. Choose the Material

Material selection depends on the required strength, corrosion resistance, temperature, and operating environment.

Common industrial materials include:

• Carbon steel
• Alloy steel
• Stainless steel
• Duplex steel

Explore Material Grades →

4. Match the Grade

The bolt and mating nut, often featuring hexagonal heads, should provide the mechanical properties required by the application and specification.

For example, high-strength applications may use grades such as those specified for metal screws. 8.8, 10.9, or 12.9, while specialized industrial applications may require specifications such as ASTM A193 and ASTM A194.

5. Check the Standard

The applicable standard can define dimensions, mechanical properties, material requirements, and other characteristics.

BBN provides technical information covering ASME, ASTM, BS, DIN, Dast, IS, and ISO standards.

View Fastener Standard Information →

6. Consider the Application

A fastening assembly used in a bridge, wind turbine, water treatment plant, or petrochemical facility may have very different requirements from a general-purpose mechanical connection.

The complete assembly should therefore be selected according to the project's technical specification.

Nut Bolt Washer Materials

The material of a nut, bolt, and washer affects the strength, corrosion resistance, and suitability of the assembly.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel fasteners are widely used for industrial, structural, and engineering applications where the required mechanical and environmental conditions can be met.

Alloy Steel

Alloy steel is commonly selected where higher strength or specific mechanical properties are required.

Explore Alloy Steel Fasteners →

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is used where corrosion resistance is an important requirement. BBN manufactures stainless steel bolts and nuts in grades including SS304 and SS316/SS316L for applicable products, ensuring durability under pressure.

Duplex Steel

Duplex stainless steel can be selected for specialized applications requiring a combination of strength and corrosion resistance, subject to the product and project specifications.

Nut, Bolt, and Washer Standards

Industrial nuts, bolts, and washers are manufactured according to different international and national standards.

Depending on the product, relevant standards can include:

ISO | DIN | ASTM | ASME | BS | IS

For example, BBN's technical resources include standards such as ISO 4014, ISO 4017, ISO 4032, ISO 6914, ISO 6915, ISO 6916, ASTM A193, ASTM A194, ASME B18.2.1, and ASME B18.2.2.

BBN's standard information also covers bolt, nut, and washer requirements under ASTM, DIN, ISO, ASME, and other industry standards.

Explore Drawings & Standard Information →

Nut, Bolt, Washer Sizes and Specifications

There is no single size that fits every nut, bolt, and washer assembly.

The required dimensions depend on the joint, fastener standard, application, and the pressure exerted on the components.

Important specifications can include stress limits, thread type, and the need for friction-reducing coatings.

• Bolt diameter
• Bolt length
• Thread type
• Thread pitch
• Nut width
• Nut height
• Washer inner diameter
• Washer outer diameter of cylindrical shape
• Washer thickness
• Material
• Grade
• Standard

BBN provides technical drawings and weight charts for a range of bolt, nut, and washer standards, including ASTM A193, ASTM A194, DIN 6914, EN 14399-4, ISO 4014, ISO 4017, and ISO 4032 specifications, which are critical in the metal industry..

View Technical Drawings →

View Bolt, Nut & Washer Weight Charts →

Where Are Nuts, Bolts, and Washers Used?

Nuts, bolts, and washers are used wherever a reliable mechanical connection is required.

Wind Energy

Fastening systems, including those used with copper components, are used in wind turbines, towers, and associated structural components.

Infrastructure and Bridges

High-strength bolts, nuts, and washers are used in structural connections where specified by the project.

Water and Wastewater

Fasteners are used in pipelines, treatment plants, pumps, valves, and related infrastructure.

Petrochemical and Oil & Gas

Specialized materials and grades, including plastic and copper, may be required for equipment, piping, valves, and other demanding applications.

Heavy Engineering

Industrial fastening assemblies are used in machinery, fabricated structures, and heavy equipment.

Solar and Renewable Energy

Fasteners are used in mounting structures and supporting equipment.

BBN's product range is positioned for applications including wind energy, infrastructure, pipelines, sewage plants, pumps, valves, bridges, and water treatment plants.

Nut Bolt Washer Manufacturer for Industrial Requirements

When the application is critical, selecting the right manufacturer is as important as selecting the right fastener.

Big Bolt Nut manufactures and exports larger-diameter bolts, nuts, and related fasteners for industrial and critical applications. Its product range includes BBN offers a variety of fasteners used, including headed bolts, stud bolts, nuts, washers, and foundation bolts.

BBN's existing product information shows capabilities across:

• Larger-diameter fasteners are often used in conjunction with disk-shaped components to improve load distribution.
• High tensile grades
• Stainless steel grades
• Industrial and structural applications
• Custom requirements
• Mechanical testing
• Metallurgical testing is essential to assess the stress resistance of fasteners used in critical applications.
• Technical drawings
• Batch-related documentation is essential for compliance in the construction industry.

For example, BBN's nut manufacturing information lists in-house mechanical and metallurgical testing and production processes, including forging, CNC machining, heat treatment, tapping, inspection, and dispatch.

Explore BBN's Fastener Products →

Need the Right  Combination?

The right nut, bolt, and washer combination depends on the complete requirement, including size, thread, material, grade, standard, and application.

If you already have a specification, drawing, or product requirement, share it with Big Bolt Nut. Our team can review the requirements and provide the appropriate product information.

Explore bolts, nuts, and washers for industrial applications.

Request a Quote →