Prong Washer
Also known as toothed washers or lock washers with external teeth, are types of washers designed with protruding prongs or teeth around their outer circumference. These washers are commonly used in fastening applications to prevent nuts and bolts from loosening due to vibrations or other forces.
Key features include:
Design:
- Pronged washers have an outer edge with multiple teeth or prongs that extend radially outward from the center.
- The prongs are designed to dig into the mating surface and the underside of the nut or bolt head.
Function:
- The primary function of pronged washers is to provide additional resistance against rotation and loosening of fasteners.
- When installed, the prongs grip the mating surface and the fastener, creating a locking effect.
Materials:
- Pronged washers are typically made from metal, such as steel or stainless steel, to provide strength and durability
Applications:
- Commonly used in applications where vibration or dynamic forces may cause traditional nuts and bolts to come loose.
- Found in various industries, including automotive, construction, machinery, and more.
Installation:
- Pronged washers are installed by placing them between the nut or bolt head and the mating surface.
- The prongs should face the surface being fastened to maximize their effectiveness.
Types:
- There are variations of pronged washers, including internal-tooth lock washers where the teeth are on the inner circumference.
- External-tooth washers have the teeth on the outer circumference and are commonly referred to as pronged washers.
Materials:
- U-Bend fasteners are typically made from materials such as metal (e.g., steel or stainless steel) or plastic, depending on the application’s demands.
Considerations:
- Proper torque is essential during installation to ensure that the prongs create sufficient bite without damaging the components.
- Pronged washers are generally considered single-use components, and their effectiveness can diminish with multiple installations.


