SAE Washers

SAE washers are designed to meet the standards set by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Made predominantly from steel, they are often finished with zinc plating to resist corrosion. The precise manufacturing of SAE flat washers ensures they fit well with SAE bolts and nuts to provide a secure and stable assembly.

SAE washers play a crucial role in distributing the load of a fastener evenly across the surface area to prevent damage to the mating material. This load distribution is vital in preventing stress concentration and material deformation, especially in softer materials or thin surfaces. In environments where vibration is a concern, SAE washers help in maintaining the tightness of the bolt or nut. Their standardized sizing and compatibility with SAE bolts and nuts make them a go-to choice for ensuring consistent performance in various applications.

If you put an SAE washer on top of a USS washer, you will see that SAE washers generally have a smaller outside diameter compared to USS flat washers and a slightly more snug inside diameter. They are also thinner, making them suitable for applications where space and weight are critical factors.

Yes, MS (or mil-spec, meaning military specification) 800 series stainless steel flat washers are frequently traded as "SAE" stainless flat washers.

Yes, there is an extra thick variety in both SAE and USS washers. These washers can be used in structural applications. The extra thickness allows them to be used as an alternative to stacking multiple washers.