Frequently Asked Questions

A hardened washer is a heat-treated or carburized steel washer used in structural and high-strength bolting. It gives a hard bearing surface beneath the turned element of a connection and helps distribute the clamping load. Hardened washers are covered by ASTM F436.

Hardened washers are used in structural bolting where a hard bearing surface is required, and are the recommended washer for any fastener other than a low-carbon-steel bolt. Specific requirements depend on the fastener, the connection, and the applicable structural bolting requirements.

Type 1 washers are standard carbon or alloy steel for general structural applications. Type 3 washers are weathering steel for weathering-steel assemblies.

Hardened washers are the washers used with A325 and A490 structural bolts (now under ASTM F3125). The washer type and material should suit the connection and the assembly.

Extra thick hardened washers are used with oversized holes where added washer thickness is required. The greater thickness provides more bearing capacity than a standard washer. Specify 5/16″ thickness when it is required per AISC.

Beveled hardened washers are for non-parallel bearing surfaces, commonly the tapered flanges of American Standard S-shape beams and channels, so the bolt head or nut seats properly.

A clipped hardened washer has part of its edge trimmed to provide clearance where a full round washer will not fit, such as around welds, fillets, and adjacent members.

Type 1 hardened washers are available hot-dip galvanized. Type 3 washers are typically furnished plain because they are intended for weathering-steel applications.

Hardened washers can often be used in place of F844 flat washers, though the hardened washer has a smaller outside diameter. Any substitution should be approved by the Engineer of Record.

Hardened washers are made in standard sizes, and custom washers can be made for non-standard dimensions or configurations. Availability varies by type, size, and finish. Full dimensions and stock are provided on this website and can be found at portlandbolt.com.

Yes. Custom hardened washers can be made with non-standard inside diameters, outside diameters, thicknesses, and configurations, including square, rectangular, clipped, and slotted profiles.

Portland Bolt supplies and manufactures hardened washers domestically and maintains material traceability throughout the process.

Yes. Portland Bolt can provide the bolts, anchor bolts, nuts, and hardened washers used together in a complete assembly, and is particularly competitive when manufacturing the complete assembly.

Send the washer type, bolt size or required dimensions, quantity, material type, and finish. Drawings or project specifications can also be provided for custom washers.