Steel Washer Info
USS & SAE – Overview & Specifications
USS Washers
USS washers, short for United States Standard washers, are flat, round metal washers with a larger outer diameter compared to SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) washers of the same inner diameter. Typically made from steel, stainless steel, or other metals, USS washers are designed to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or screw, over a larger surface area, helping to reduce stress and prevent damage to the material being fastened. They are commonly used in construction, machinery, automotive applications, and structural assemblies where a broader bearing surface is needed. Their wider profile makes them particularly useful for use with softer materials or oversized holes, ensuring a more secure and stable connection.
Washer Size (Inches) | Inner Diameter (ID) | Outer Diameter (OD) | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
1/2″ | 0.531″ | 1.000″ | 0.060″ |
5/8″ | 0.656″ | 1.250″ | 0.060″ |
3/4″ | 0.781″ | 1.500″ | 0.060″ |
7/8″ | 0.906″ | 1.750″ | 0.060″ |
1″ | 1.062″ | 2.000″ | 0.060″ |
1-1/4″ | 1.281″ | 2.375″ | 0.090″ |
1-1/2″ | 1.531″ | 2.750″ | 0.090″ |
1-3/4″ | 1.781″ | 3.125″ | 0.090″ |
2″ | 2.062″ | 3.500″ | 0.090″ |
These are typical dimensions for USS washers in the range from 1/2″ to 2″. The thickness generally increases with larger diameters, and the outer diameter is designed to provide a wider bearing surface for better load distribution. Let us know if you’d like more details.
F436 Washers
F436 washers are hardened steel flat washers specified under ASTM F436, primarily used with high-strength structural bolts such as A325 and A490 bolts in heavy-duty construction applications. These washers are heat-treated to provide greater strength and durability, making them ideal for structural steel connections, bridges, buildings, and other critical infrastructure projects. F436 washers are typically used with bolts and nuts in structural assemblies to evenly distribute load, prevent embedding, and resist deformation under high tension. They come in both plain and galvanized finishes to suit different environmental conditions, with the galvanized version offering corrosion resistance for outdoor or exposed installations.
F436 washers are often used with high-strength bolts and structural connections, and their dimensions may vary slightly based on the specific application or standard, but the following are standard sizes:
Washer Size (Inches) | Inner Diameter (ID) | Outer Diameter (OD) | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
1/2″ | 0.531″ | 1.250″ | 0.090″ |
5/8″ | 0.656″ | 1.375″ | 0.090″ |
3/4″ | 0.750″ | 1.500″ | 0.090″ |
7/8″ | 0.875″ | 1.750″ | 0.090″ |
1″ | 1.062″ | 2.000″ | 0.090″ |
1-1/4″ | 1.281″ | 2.375″ | 0.120″ |
1-1/2″ | 1.500″ | 2.750″ | 0.120″ |
1-3/4″ | 1.750″ | 3.125″ | 0.120″ |
2″ | 2.062″ | 3.500″ | 0.120″ |
F436 washers are thicker than standard USS washers to handle the higher stresses found in heavy-duty applications. The increased thickness helps distribute the load more effectively and prevents deformation under high loads. Let us know if you need any more information or if you have any specific applications in mind!
SAE washers, named after the Society of Automotive Engineers, are flat washers with a smaller outer diameter and thinner profile compared to USS washers of the same inner diameter. These are uncommon in anchor bolts or general construction. Designed for precision applications, SAE washers are typically used in automotive, aerospace, and mechanical industries where tighter tolerances and space constraints are important. They are commonly made from steel, stainless steel, brass, or other durable metals, and are used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener more precisely without taking up unnecessary space. Because of their smaller size, SAE washers are ideal for applications involving high-strength bolts or components with limited clearance, offering a clean, secure fit in more compact assemblies.
Plate Washers
Fabricated plate washers are custom-made flat washers typically cut or punched from steel plate to meet specific size and load requirements that standard washers cannot accommodate. Unlike standard washers, which are mass-produced in set dimensions, plate washers are often square or rectangular and can be made in a wide range of thicknesses, inner diameters, and outer dimensions. These washers are commonly used in heavy construction, structural steel connections, and anchoring applications where large surface area coverage and enhanced load distribution are essential—such as in timber construction, concrete embeds, or seismic-resistant designs. Their robust construction allows them to handle significant stress and prevent pull-through or deformation in high-load environments. We can do customs, contact us for your SPECIFIC needs.
Hot-dip Galvanizing
Hot-dip galvanizing is a corrosion protection process in which steel components are dipped into molten zinc, forming a metallurgically bonded zinc coating. This zinc layer acts as a physical barrier, preventing moisture and oxygen from reaching the steel surface, and also offers sacrificial protection—meaning the zinc corrodes in place of the steel. As a result, galvanized steel can resist rust and corrosion for decades, even in harsh outdoor or marine environments. Common uses of hot-dip galvanized steel include structural steel frameworks, utility poles, guardrails, fasteners, and agricultural or marine equipment. Its durability and low maintenance make it a preferred choice for long-term, corrosion-resistant applications.