How come they don't use washers on car bolts?

[Gregski]

Lately I find myself needing to go to a hardware store to buy some bolts for my '74 truck, I don't like doing that cause they don't feel like car bolts, mostly at the moment I am getting grade 5 bolts, but something I have noticed is that many things/parts don't have washers on those bolts, why not?

please look at this pic for example borrowed from Alan Grove's website aka The Bracket Whisperer ~ LOL no washers on the pulley bolts, no washers on the alternator bracket bolts (well except for that one you adjust the belt with) no washers on the water pump bolts

anybody else notice stupid stuff like this or is it just me? jk

[Katrina/10]

Yes, I notice. Years ago, I used to take bolts out and put washers under all of them. Now, I find that is not really necessary, and in some cases, counterproductive. There is some "self locking" benefit to not using a washer under the head of a bolt, that's why GM never put washers on bellhousing or water pump bolts. So now I just put them under nuts.

[enaberif]

Washers help spread a load over a small or large area. Most of the areas that don't have washer are areas that don't need to worry about load coverage like water pump bolts.

You can always lock tite certain bolts if you want or torque them down properly which will also lock in the bolts.

[Bigstevex4]

If your using the bin grade washers from hardware store they are realy soft and probably worse than none get at least grade five. As far as car companies its cost asembly time. Flanged bolts are the way to go but spendy.I was a heavey equipment field mecanic for 30 yrs. I had all the grade 8 hardware i wanted. man after i gave up that truck almost passed out when went to hard ware store bought a few bolts!

[bnoon]

Most washers are in place to prevent galling. If the hardness of the bolt is similar enough to the base metal, no washer is needed.

[MikeB]

If you have a good hardware store or industrial supply store in your area, they will definitely have Grade 8 bolts, and sometimes flange bolts and nuts like this:


We are fortunate to have a local industrial supply store that sells just about any bolt you can imagine, including, for example, 3/8" bolts in 1/4" length increments, unlike hardware stores that only have 3", 3-1/2", 4", etc. Between that store and our locally-owned Elliot Hardware store, we can get just about any bolt, nut, and washer imaginable.

Another cool store is http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/ha/index.html. They sell stainless and steel -AN washers by the box. These washers have a smaller OD for use in tight spaces, and for a cleaner look.

[bnoon]

And don't forget about companies like Fastenal where you can order practically everything hardware related ever created (among other things).

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by MikeB

If you have a good hardware store or industrial supply store in your area, they will definitely have Grade 8 bolts, and sometimes flange bolts and nuts like this:


We are fortunate to have a local industrial supply store that sells just about any bolt you can imagine, including, for example, 3/8" bolts in 1/4" length increments, unlike hardware stores that only have 3", 3-1/2", 4", etc. Between that store and our locally-owned Elliot Hardware store, we can get just about any bolt, nut, and washer imaginable.

Another cool store is http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/ha/index.html. They sell stainless and steel -AN washers by the box. These washers have a smaller OD for use in tight spaces, and for a cleaner look.

What store? It's always nice to know the local sources

[Gregski]

Originally Posted by MikeB

If you have a good hardware store or industrial supply store in your area, they will definitely have Grade 8 bolts, and sometimes flange bolts and nuts like this:

We have ACE Hardware it is better than Home Depot they do have grade 8 bolts but only flange metric bolts ~ that sucks

[Just call me Sean]

Lowes has a good selection of grade 8 and stainless bolts. Way better than Home Depot.

[Gregski]

Originally Posted by Just call me Sean

Lowes has a good selection of grade 8 and stainless bolts. Way better than Home Depot.

Thanks Bud, I did not even think of them, I will shoot over there today just to check it out, thanks again.

[greg64]

Greg, about 10 years ago I had a lucky CL find; an old guy who lived on a farm had a 5 gallon pail of unsorted bolts for sale for $20. I bought them immediately when I noticed they were *all* grade 8 caterpillar diesel bolts. Over a hundred pounds for twenty bucks. I'm still using those bolts today.

I think you said you had a pull-your-part near you. It occurs to me that if they'd give you a good deal, I'd go in there for an afternoon and strip every good imperial bolt off a rust free rig. Buying new bolts is fine, but grade 8 stuff gets expensive in a hurry.

[78maliburat]

Here in texas tractor supply bolts by the pound..............