Tab Washers
Tab Washers for Mechanical Fastener Security
Call 0121 544 5808 Today
Bespoke Manufacturing
Instant Quote Service
Worldwide Delivery
Various Gauges/Thicknesses
Bespoke Manufacturing
Instant Quote Service
Worldwide Delivery
Various Gauges/Thicknesses
Why Choose Stephens Gaskets?
As a trusted Tab Washers supplier
Stephens Gaskets offers:
- A wide range of sizes and tab configurations.
- Carbon steel, stainless steel, and specialist alloys.
- Fast turnaround on bulk and custom orders.
- In-house CAD and fabrication support.
- ISO-certified manufacturing and quality control.
What Are Adjustable Shims?
Tab Washers are flat metal washers with one or more tabs that can be bent to physically lock a nut or bolt in place.
Tabs may be bent:
- Upwards against the flat of a bolt or nut.
- Downwards into a slot or keyway to prevent rotation.
Downwards into a slot or keyway to prevent rotation:
- Positive mechanical lock (not friction-based).
- Simple installation with visual confirmation.
- Used where traditional locking methods fall short.
Benefits of Using Tab Washers
1. Mechanical Locking
Bending the tab creates a physical lock, preventing loosening even under heavy vibration.
2. High Reliability
Remains secure in dynamic, high-load, or high-heat environments.
3. Easy Visual Inspection
No guesswork – if the tab is bent properly, the fastener is locked.
4. Simple and Cost-Effective
No special adhesives or tools required. Quick to install.
5. Reusability
Can be reused if not deformed, saving costs in maintenance cycles.
6. Compatible with Other Locking Systems
Works well alongside castellated nuts, cotter pins, and locknuts.
Applications of Tab Washers
Stephens Gaskets supplies Tab Washers for:
- Gearbox fasteners.
- Brake and suspension systems.
- Transmission and axle components.
- Engine mounts.
- Airframe connections.
- Landing gear systems.
- Drive systems and rotating shafts.
- Vibrating components and couplings.
- Construction and agricultural equipment.
- Motor and gearbox assemblies.
- Electrical grounding.
- Conveyor and production lines.
- Propulsion systems and axle assemblies.
- Areas exposed to moisture and vibration.
Materials for Tab Washers
Our locking Tab Washers are manufactured in materials suitable for diverse operating environments:
| Material | Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | High strength, cost-effective | Automotive, machinery |
| Stainless Steel | Corrosion-resistant, durable | Marine, pharma, food-grade environments |
| Phosphor Bronze | Conductive, corrosion-resistant | Electrical and marine systems |
| Aluminium | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant | Aerospace, electronics |
| High-Temp Alloys | Extreme heat and corrosion resistance | Turbines, chemical processing |
Surface Treatments
- Zinc plating for corrosion protection.
- Black oxide for mild protection and appearance.
- Passivation for stainless steel.
- Anodising for aluminium.
Solving Industry Issues
Fasteners keep loosening in our machines.
Use tab washers for positive, physical locking under vibration.
Our equipment shuts down due to bolt failures.
Tab washers reduce unexpected downtime and improve safety.
Our locking washers corrode too quickly.
Opt for stainless or coated tab washers for long-term protection.
We need a locking method that’s easy to check.
Tab washers provide visible proof of security.
We work in confined spaces with non-standard bolts.
We provide custom shapes, sizes, and tab positions to suit your design.
Use Case: Gearbox Fastener Retention
A customer in the motorsport sector needed a robust, lightweight washer to secure gearbox fasteners in a high-vibration race car. We supplied anodised aluminium tab washers tailored to their specs. Post-race inspection showed no loosening and reduced downtime between runs.
About Stephens Gaskets
As a leading UK Tab Washers company, we’ve been providing engineered components for over 70 years. Our washers are used globally in industries that demand safety, performance, and quality assurance.
From standard stock sizes to bespoke tab configurations, we manufacture to meet your specifications – with full traceability and support throughout.
FAQs
Are tab washers reusable?
What's the minimum order quantity?
Can you make custom tab washers?
Are your products certified?
What is the lead time?
Order Tab Washers from a Trusted Supplier
Whether you need standard stock or a bespoke design, we’ve got the experience and capability to deliver.