Square OD Washer Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about square OD washers.
What are square OD washers?
Square OD washers, also called square plate washers, feature a square outer profile with a round inner bore. Like standard round washers, they distribute load, protect bearing surfaces, and add spacing in fastener assemblies. The square outer profile provides a larger and more stable bearing footprint than a round washer and prevents rotation in square pockets or housings. Superior Washer manufactures square OD washers in a comprehensive range of sizes and materials including steel, stainless steel, brass, and aluminum.
What is the advantage of a square OD washer over a round flat washer?
Square OD washers provide a larger bearing surface for the same nominal fastener size, which is useful in soft materials or applications requiring increased load distribution. The square profile also prevents the washer from rotating in a square recess or slotted opening. In structural applications, square washers distribute clamping load more evenly over rectangular bearing surfaces such as wood grain than round washers can.
What applications use square OD washers?
Square OD washers are used in timber construction, structural steel, machinery base mounting, electrical equipment, agricultural equipment, and OEM mechanical assemblies. Stainless steel square OD washers are popular in marine, architectural, and food service applications where corrosion resistance and a clean appearance are required alongside increased bearing area.
What materials are square OD washers available in?
Square OD washers are produced in low carbon steel, stainless steel (including 17-4 PH), brass, aluminum, and other materials on request. Contact us to specify your required material and dimensions.
Can you produce custom square OD washers?
Yes. We manufacture custom square OD washers to your exact OD, ID, and thickness specifications, in a full range of materials. Our in-house die shop enables efficient production of non-catalog sizes. Contact us via the Quick Quote form or call NY (631) 273-8282 or SC (803) 366-3250.
Are your square OD washers made in the USA?
Yes. All square OD washers are manufactured in the United States under our ISO 9001:2015 certified Quality Management System at our Hauppauge, NY and Rock Hill, SC facilities.
Need a square bore instead of a square outer profile? Browse the full flat washers catalog to see all shapes and materials available.
