Common Specifications and Uses For a Bevel Washer

Most times your project will require two parallel surfaces to be bolted together, in which case a common fastener and washer combination can be used. But this isn’t always the case. When two unparallel surfaces are bolted together a bevel washer is often used to be sure the fit is tight and stable.

This condition is often seen in structural applications and buildings where the beams and channels are not parallel. If the angles are off by a large amount structural blocking may be used, but when small differences occur a bevel or beveled washer is put into play.

Two Different Designs

The type of washer used depends on the material of the bolts being used. For instance, when A490 or A325 bolts are required you will need to source out hardened bevel washers (or F436). In most other cases, malleable beveled washers are all that is needed.

You will often find this type of washer in both stainless steel, black powder coated and hot dipped galvanized. Each material has many applications.

Typical Sizes

The size of the washer (in width) is based mainly on the size of the bolt being used. You can find bevel washers ranging in size from 3/8” to 1 1/2” – these are the corresponding bolt sizes.

The other size specifications for a bevel washer have to do with the angle of the bevel. This is measured by the three different thicknesses: the thickness of the deepest point; the thickness of the thinnest point; and the thickness of the midway point between those two.

Malleable beveled washers have a wider variety of thicknesses suited to a broader range of projects. From 0.34 to 0.81 at the deepest point, these washers are typically available in square dimensions from 1.25 to 3.00. The depth at the thinnest point ranges from 0.12 to 0.31. Of course the angle is determined by the span of dimension of the washer and will be matched with the angle of the surface you are bolting. It is important to find a washer with the closest angle possible.

Used in a variety of projects, a bevel washer is a handy specialty fastener. It is widely available at most high quality fastener distributors.