Lock Washers

Lock Washers

Every bolted connection faces a challenge: over time, vibration and load can loosen the fastener unless properly secured with the right components. Split and toothed lock washers solve that problem, and Tractor Supply stocks both styles for equipment repairs, structural fastening and hardware projects of all kinds.

Keep Fasteners Tight Where It Counts

Lock washers exist because fasteners loosen, not all at once, but gradually, under vibration, heavy loads and the stress that builds up in any working connection. Wedged between the bolt head or nut and the surface it clamps, a lock washer adds mechanical resistance, preventing the joint from giving way. Lock washers rely on either spring tension or serrated teeth to hold fasteners tight, and both methods work effectively without the need for adhesives or additional materials. Trailer frames, fence hardware, barn and shed construction, HVAC systems and automotive assembly are all common applications.

For the washer to work, the inside diameter (ID) has to match the bolt size. A washer that fits correctly seats flush, stays centered as the fastener tightens and puts its holding force exactly where the connection needs it. Even a slightly oversized washer leaves enough room for the connection to shift, recusing effectiveness and potentially compromising your project.

Split Rings That Work Under Pressure

Split lock washers are hardened steel rings with a gap, and that gap is what sets them apart from other washers. The moment a fastener drives down and compresses the ring, the two ends press into the joint surface, locking the connection against rotation. Stainless steel options resist rust and moisture that would otherwise wear out a standard steel washer. When the load is heavier, Grade 8 alloy steel is often the right call because it has been heat-treated to withstand high bolt tension without giving.

Toothed Designs That Grip and Stay

Smaller fasteners don't always leave room for a split ring to seat and function correctly – that's where toothed lock washers earn their place. Serrated edges bite into the joint surface as the fastener tightens, creating friction that keeps the connection from backing out. Internal toothed styles position those teeth along the inside diameter, making them a natural fit for hex-style screws and bolt heads small enough to sit fully on top of the washer. Zinc plating adds corrosion resistance for indoor and light outdoor conditions, and it smooths out installation by reducing the friction that can drag during tightening.

Stock Up on Lock Washers from Tractor Supply

Most of what can go wrong with a bolted connection comes down to a fastener that was never properly secured in the first place. Lock washers prevent those types of scenarios, with the right type keeping the connection in place long after the job is done. That kind of reliability matters For Life Out Here, especially for farm builds, equipment repairs and any structural work where redoing the job isn't an option. Browse lock washers and more hardware on our website or at your local Tractor Supply store.