Tools & Home Improvement

The Best Retaining Washers

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, Amazon customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Retaining washers are small but crucial components in many mechanical assemblies, preventing parts from dislodging under load. Selecting the correct type and size is essential for ensuring the longevity and safety of your projects, whether for automotive repair, machinery maintenance, or general DIY applications. Proper selection guarantees a secure fit and reliable performance.

No. 1
Vifmy Internal Tooth Starlock Washers Push Nut Assortment (M2.5-M12) 500Pcs
  • Speed Locking Washers Size: Speed locking washers assortment kit contains 8 size types of washers, which are m2.5-8(100pcs),m3-9(100pcs),m4-12(70pcs),m5-14(60pcs),m6-16(60pcs),m8-18(50pcs),m10-20(30pcs),m12-25(30pcs),8 different sizes to meet different...
  • Steel Star Locking Washer: The push nuts assortment are made of high quality carbon steel material, which has high strength and can withstand certain loads and impacts, and can ensure the stability and working life of the star locking washer
  • Star Locking Washer Function: The starlock washers are one of the indispensable elements in most mechanical equipment, it has a variety of roles in fixing, supporting and damping. It uses spring pressure to regulate reinforced shaped objects and is used...
  • Wide Application: internal tooth lock washer is widely used in various fields, especially in machinery manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospace, rail transport and so on
No. 2
260pcs[9 Sizes] Black Starlock Internal Tooth Lock Washers Assortment Kit, M2/ M2.5/ M3/ M4/ M5/ M6/ M8/ M...
  • 【√√】Product name: Internal Tooth Washers
  • 【√√】Material: 65Mn Steel; √√Main Color: Black;
  • 【√√】Package: 260pcs x Starlock Washer in one storage box
  • 【√√】Include sizes: M2, M3 x 9mm, M4 x 12mm, M5 x 12mm, M6 x 16mm, M8 x 18mm, M10 x 20mm, M12 x 25mm
No. 3
Vifmy Internal Tooth Starlock Washers Push Nuts Assortment (M3-M12) 530Pcs
  • Speed Locking Washers Size: Vifmy push nuts assortment kit contains 7 size types of washers, which are M3-9(100pcs), M4-12(100pcs), M5-14(100pcs), M6-16(100pcs), M8-18(60pcs), M10-20(40pcs), M12-25(30pcs), 7 different sizes to meet different different...
  • Steel Star Locking Washer: The internal tooth lock washer is made of high quality stainless steel material, which has high strength and can withstand certain loads and impacts, and can ensure the stability and working life of the star locking washer
  • Starlock Washers Function: The push nut is one of the indispensable elements in most mechanical equipment, it has a variety of roles in fixing, supporting and damping. These push nuts use spring pressure to regulate reinforced shaped objects and is used...
  • Wide Application: Internal tooth star lock washers are widely used in various fields, especially in machinery manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospace, rail transport and so on
No. 4
500PCS Internal Tooth Star Lock Washers Assortment Kit, Carbon Steel Black Oxide Push on Locking Washer Set...
  • Premium Carbon Steel Construction: These internal tooth star lock washers are made from high-strength carbon steel with a durable black oxide finish for superior corrosion resistance and long-lasting performance in demanding applications
  • 500-Piece Assortment for Versatility: This push nuts assortment includes 8 essential sizes (M2.5, M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M10, M12) totaling 500 pieces, providing the right fastener for a wide range of repair, maintenance, and DIY projects
  • Secure Vibration-Resistant Locking: The internal tooth design of these push on locking washers bites into surfaces, creating a strong grip that prevents nuts and bolts from loosening due to vibration, ensuring reliable and safe connections
  • Wide Industrial & DIY Application: Ideal for automotive repairs, machinery assembly, electronics, furniture, and countless other uses in manufacturing, construction, and home workshops, offering professional-grade fastening solutions
No. 5
258PCS UIETUIL 8 Sizes Internal Tooth Star Lock Washers Kit, M2.5-12 304SS
  • 【SPEED LOCKING WASHERS ASSORTMENT】 This kit includes 258 pieces of high-quality metric 304 Stainless Steel internal tooth star lock washers, organized into 8 essential sizes: M2.5(40pcs), M3(40pcs), M4(40pcs), M5(40pcs), M6(50pcs), M8(20pcs...
  • 【HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL】These star lock washers are made of high-quality 304 Stainless Steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance and durability. They perform reliably under heavy load, impact, and in challenging conditions like humidity and...
  • 【STAR LOCKING WASHER FUNCTION】This internal tooth lock washer is engineered for secure fastening and anti-vibration. Its internal teeth bite into both the fastener and the substrate, generating constant spring pressure and friction to prevent...
  • 【CONVENIENT STORAGE CASE】All 8 sizes of locking washer are individually housed in a durable, clear case. This organization prevents loss and mixing, ensuring the right locking washer is always at hand.
No. 6
Biaungdo Internal Tooth Washers, 50 Pcs, 5 Sizes Star Locking Washers
  • Package Contents: You will receive 50 pieces of star-shaped locking washers with inner teeth. These include 10 pieces of M2x6mm, 10 pieces of M2.5x8mm, 10 pieces of M3x10mm, 10 pieces of M4x12mm, and 10 pieces of M5x14mm. Different size combinations can...
  • Preferred Material: The washer is made of high-quality 65mn metal steel material, which has excellent corrosion resistance and rust resistance, is durable, not easy to deform, and has a longer service life.Easy to install and use
  • Widely Used: Push nuts are widely used in shock absorption and insulation in various fields such as machinery and equipment, electronic equipment, automobiles, sports equipment, industrial production, etc.
  • Function: It provides excellent spring force between the fastener head and the substrate. The grip is very strong and can be used to fix cars, strollers, grills, chairs and other items.
No. 7
IEAWISL 330 PCS Internal Tooth Starlock Washers, M3-M12, Quick Speed Lock
  • 【TOP QUALITY 65Mn STEEL】: IEAWISL Internal Tooth Starlock Washers are made of high-quality 65Mn metal steel, which is a black oxide finish on the metal surface for anti-rust, corrosion resistance and durability. It has high hardness and good toughness...
  • 【TOOTH WASHERS COMPLETE SIZE】: IEAWISL Tooth Lock Washers Assortment Kit includes two types of 330pcs tooth washers: flanged (M7x15) and regular (M3x8, M4x12, M5x12, M6x14, M8x18, M10x20, M12x25). The 7 most commonly used metric size internal tooth...
  • 【IEAWISL EXQUISITE STORAGE BOX】: High-quality internal tooth star lock washer kits are matched 1:1 by size/type and each grid of the storage box. So the various types of internal tooth washers won’t get mixed up. And the box is clearly labelled on...
  • 【WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS】: These Starlock Washers are widely used for machines, furniture, table, DIY, electrical, electronic equipment, automotive, sports equipment, and industrial. For example to repair ice machines, lawn mowers, tricycles, toys...
No. 8
318PCS UIETUIL 8 Sizes Internal Tooth Star Lock Washers Kit, M2.5-M12 Black
  • 【SPEED LOCKING WASHERS ASSORTMENT】 This kit includes 318 pieces of high-quality metric internal tooth star lock washers, organized into 8 essential sizes: M2.5(60pcs), M3(60pcs), M4(50pcs), M5(40pcs), M6(60pcs), M8(20pcs), M10(18pcs), and M12(10pcs...
  • 【HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL】These star lock washers are made of high-quality 65Mn steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance and durability. They perform reliably under heavy load, impact, and in challenging conditions like humidity and temperature...
  • 【STAR LOCKING WASHER FUNCTION】This internal tooth lock washer is engineered for secure fastening and anti-vibration. Its internal teeth bite into both the fastener and the substrate, generating constant spring pressure and friction to prevent...
  • 【CONVENIENT STORAGE CASE】All 8 sizes of locking washer are individually housed in a durable, clear case. This organization prevents loss and mixing, ensuring the right locking washer is always at hand.
No. 9
555 PCS Internal Tooth Star Lock Washers,(M2.5-M12) Push On Locking Washers
  • Material: Made of 65 Mn steel, it is very strong and durable,555pcs includes eight sizes:M2.5×8, M3×9mm, M4×12mm, M5×12mm, M6×14mm, M8×18, M10×20mm and M12×25mm.
  • Features:The star locking washer with internal teeth adds a spring force between the fastener and the base plate, which will produce greater friction and rotation resistance.
  • Packing: 555 pcs contains 8 sizes: M2.5,M3,M4,M5,M6,M8,M10,M12, and is equipped with a transparent storage box for easy storage.
  • Uses: used for shock absorption and insulation of mechanical equipment, furniture, electrical appliances, automobiles and industrial production.
No. 10
MCMASKE 300PCS Metric M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 M10 M12 Stainless Steel Internal Tooth Starlock Washers Assortment...
  • High Quality 7 Sizes Metric M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 M10 M12 Stainless Steel Starlock Push on Washers Assortment Kit Total 300Pieces
  • Material:304 stainless steel;304 stainless steel have good chemical resistance and may be mildly magnetic
  • Starlock Washer;External Push Rings; Push On Washers;Speed Clips;Push Nuts for Unthreaded Shafts
  • Widely used in machinery equipment, industrial production of shock absorption ,bearings, machinery etc

Last update on 2026-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Retaining Washers

Understanding Retaining Washer Types

Retaining washers, also known as spring washers or lock washers, come in various designs, each suited for different applications. Common types include:
  • Split Washers: These are split and coiled into a spring shape. They work by digging into the surfaces of the fastener and the clamped part, providing resistance against loosening caused by vibration.
  • Tooth Lock Washers: These have teeth on the inner or outer rim that bite into the fastener head and the bearing surface. They offer excellent locking power, especially in applications with significant vibration.
  • Wave Washers: These are coiled springs with a wavy profile. They provide a light spring tension and can accommodate thermal expansion or minor misalignments without significant force.
  • Conical Washers: Shaped like a cone, these washers can provide a spring force and are often used in conjunction with bolts to prevent loosening. They can be used individually or stacked for increased tension.

Material Considerations

The material of the retaining washer significantly impacts its strength, corrosion resistance, and suitability for specific environments. Common materials include:
  • Steel: Offers high strength and durability, often used in heavy-duty applications. Stainless steel variants provide excellent corrosion resistance.
  • Brass: Less common for high-strength applications but offers good corrosion resistance and is non-sparking, making it suitable for certain environments.
  • Bronze: Similar to brass, it offers good corrosion resistance and is often used where non-magnetic properties are required.

Size and Fit

Choosing the correct size is paramount. Retaining washers are typically sized to match the bolt or screw they are used with (e.g., 1/4 inch, M6). Ensure the inner diameter allows the fastener to pass through freely, while the outer diameter and thickness are appropriate for the bearing surface and the required locking force. Always consult fastener size charts if unsure.

Application Environment

Consider the conditions where the fastener assembly will operate. For high-temperature environments, choose materials that can withstand the heat. In corrosive settings, stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials are necessary. For applications prone to vibration, split or tooth lock washers are generally preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of a retaining washer?
The primary function of a retaining washer is to prevent fasteners, such as bolts and nuts, from loosening due to vibration or thermal expansion. They achieve this by exerting a spring force or by digging into the surfaces they contact.
How do I choose the correct size of retaining washer?
Retaining washers are typically sized according to the bolt or screw diameter they are intended for. Ensure the inner diameter of the washer is slightly larger than the fastener's shank but small enough to fit snugly around it.
Are lock washers and retaining washers the same thing?
While often used interchangeably, 'lock washer' is a broader term. Retaining washers are a type of lock washer designed to maintain tension and prevent loosening. Other types of lock washers exist, like split washers and tooth lock washers.
When should I use a split washer versus a tooth lock washer?
Split washers are good for general use and provide moderate resistance to loosening. Tooth lock washers offer stronger locking power and are better suited for applications with significant vibration, as their teeth dig into surfaces for a more secure hold.
Can retaining washers be reused?
It is generally recommended not to reuse split or tooth lock washers, as their spring action can be compromised after initial use. Reusing them may reduce their effectiveness in preventing loosening.

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