What order do nuts bolts and washers go? check this out | flat washer lock washer nut order
Jessica Young
Updated on July 16, 2026
If there is only one washer used with a nut/bolt, it usually goes on the nut side. The nut in most circumstances is more movable, and is more commonly turned to tighten the assembly. The washer helps prevent damage to the surface of the object being fastened.
The washers are placed beneath the nut, not the bolt head. If the bolt head is too small to securely overlap a too-large bolt hole, you can use a flat washer to obtain a proper seat. The order is always the lockwasher directly under the nut. The washers are placed beneath the nut, not the bolt head.
When used correctly, a lock washer will hold the nut or other threaded fastener in place. To help it accomplish this, put the lock washer on first, below the fastener. If your project calls for other washers or hardware elements, they should go on before the lock washer so that it can hold them in place.
What goes first flat washer or lock washer?
When used correctly, a lock washer will hold the nut or other threaded fastener in place. To help it accomplish this, put the lock washer on first, below the fastener. If your project calls for other washers or hardware elements, they should go on before the lock washer so that it can hold them in place.
Do washers go on both sides?
Washers can go both sides, but the primary function of a washer would be to stop vibration from loosening the nut, so there’s your first choice (with a slightly springy ‘split’ washer being a top choice) but also some nuts have locking technology… Washers are not always used with a nut and bolt.
Can you use a lock washer with a lock nut?
Locking Washers
Place the lock washer between the nut and the work surface if using a nut-and-bolt configuration, or between the fastener head and the work surface if using a tapped hole configuration. In other words, the bolt goes straight into the hole and doesn’t poke out the other end, so no nut is used.
Can you use a lock washer without a nut?
It’s useless if you do. A lock washer is designed to press into the surface of the nut and whatever is being fastened. Flat washers spread out the load of the tension to prevent pull through or bending whats being fastened, but makes lock washers useless.
What is better lock washers or lock nuts?
Lock washers are a one time deal, replace after removing. The most common split lock washer actually bites into both the nut and bottom surface to provide the lock. Nylon lock nuts work best in high vibration areas but are a pain to assemble and like Brad said deteriorate over time.
Do you need a lock washer with a nylon nut?
When you install the nylon lock nut onto a bolt or threaded stud, the nylon insert wraps around the threads and locks the nut in place. This gives a nylon lock nut a distinct advantage over a lock washer when the bolt or threaded stud is subject to vibration, as the nylon lock nut is unaffected by vibration.
Are lock nuts and stop nuts the same?
Locking Nuts, also known as: lock nuts, prevailing torque nut, self-locking nut, stiff nut or elastic stop nut and they are almost always used in conjunction with a mating bolt to fasten components together.