Step Washers

What Is a Step Washer?

A step washer is a specialised washer designed with two or more different outer diameters. Its tiered or shoulder-like profile helps locate and support components with precision.

Unlike flat washers, which have a uniform profile, step washers feature a reduced central diameter or “step.” This allows part of the washer to fit snugly into a bore or recess, while the outer diameter spreads the load across a larger surface area.

4. Spacer and Shim Function

These washers can act as spacers, helping achieve exact clearance or component height in assembly environments where accuracy is key.

5. Extended Durability

By minimising direct wear between moving or contacting parts, step washers extend the service life of both the washer and the surrounding components.

6. Cross-Industry Versatility

Their reliable design makes them ideal across multiple sectors, offering flexible use and dependable performance in high-value environments.

• Locating rotating parts in mechanical assemblies.
• Creating accurate spacing between fasteners and bores.
• Acting as reliable shims for fine-tuning builds.

Common Materials for Step Washers

At Stephens Gaskets, we manufacture step washers in a wide range of metals and engineered plastics. This allows us to match product performance to the precise environmental and mechanical demands of your industry.

1. Mild and Carbon Steel

• Ideal for general-purpose use in machinery and industrial applications.
• Affordable and strong, suitable for most mechanical assemblies.

2. Stainless Steel (304, 316)

• Offers excellent corrosion resistance.
• Ideal for outdoor equipment, marine, or chemical processing environments.

3. Brass

• Corrosion-resistant and non-sparking.
• Commonly used in electrical equipment or decorative applications.

4. Copper

• Provides excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.
• Used in electrical and heat-sensitive systems.

5. Aluminium

• Lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
• Common in aerospace, electronics, and lightweight mechanical systems.

6. Nylon and Plastics (PA, PTFE)

• Non-metallic and corrosion-proof.
• Used in electrical systems and non-magnetic machinery.

7. Phosphor Bronze

• Durable, corrosion-resistant, and ideal for high-wear applications.
• Often selected for marine, heavy machinery, and electrical uses.

Issues Step Washers Solve

Precision components must perform under pressure. Poorly made washers, wrong materials, or incorrect sizes can lead to major engineering issues. Stephens Gaskets produces reliable solutions to meet the most demanding requirements.

• Sizing Accuracy
  Off-the-shelf options can often be too loose or too tight. Our washers are made to strict dimensional tolerances to avoid misalignment or stress on surrounding parts.
• Material Mismatch
  Using the wrong material can cause corrosion, excessive wear, or part failure. We provide application-specific advice and stock a wide range of metals and non-metals.
• Custom Sizing Challenges
  When niche sizes or profiles are required, they can be hard to source. We manufacture custom step washers with short lead times, ensuring production is not delayed.
• Inconsistent Quality
  Low-quality imports may lack surface finish, dimensional stability, or consistent step heights. We deliver precision at scale from our UK-based facility.
• Long Lead Times
  Delays in delivery can halt production. We provide consistent lead times and rapid fulfilment from our in-house production line.
• Lack of Technical Support
  Choosing the right washer can be difficult without help. Our technical team works with you to select the correct size, shape, and material for your application.