Washers
Shaft Retaining Washer
Shaft Retaining Washer
Shaft Retaining Washer
Shaft Retaining Washer
Shaft Retaining Washer
Shaft Retaining Washer

Shaft Retaining Washer

Internal teeth bite plain shafts for threadless, tool-free axial retention; materials: 304/316/65Mn.

Type: Shaft Retaining Washer (internal-tooth bite, threadless retention)
Fits: Plain shafts and studs (M2–M12 standard)
Materials: AISI 304 (A2) / AISI 316 (A4) / 65Mn
Uses: Axial retention and anti-loosening for bearings, gears and rotating parts

Shaft Retaining Washers are designed for axial retention on plain, unthreaded shafts and studs. Internal teeth grip the shaft during press-on installation, securing bearings, gears, hubs and other components without requiring threads, shaft grooves or additional retaining hardware.

Since 1993

Stamping parts manufacturer

12,000 m²

Owned factory

12,000 t/yr

Stamping capacity · 120 presses up to 450 T

24 h

Quotation response

Product Overview

Shaft Retaining Washers use internal teeth that bite onto plain shafts or studs for threadless axial retention, holding bearings, gears and other rotating parts in place without grooves, threads or tools.

This push-on design eliminates the need for a threaded shaft or retaining groove, which can simplify shaft preparation and reduce the number of components used in an assembly.

Its low-profile structure is also suitable for compact mechanisms where available axial space is limited.

Zhenhua manufactures Shaft Retaining Washers through progressive die stamping and machining, with production controlled under an IATF 16949 quality system. Standard M2–M12 sizes are available, while customized shaft diameters, tooth profiles, wave forms, flange outside diameters and thicknesses can be produced according to drawings.

Typical applications include electric motors, cooling fans, home appliances, automotive components, industrial equipment, bearings and rotating mechanisms.

Key Features

  • Threadless Shaft Retention

    Internal teeth grip the surface of a plain shaft during installation, providing axial retention without threads or retaining grooves.

  • Push-On Installation

    The washer can be pressed onto the shaft to simplify assembly and eliminate separate fastening hardware.

  • High Resilience of Spring Steel

    Made from 65Mn spring steel and heat-treated to ensure excellent fatigue resistance and long-term load retention.

  • Precision Fit

    The inner hole tolerance is controlled within ±0.05 mm to ensure consistent performance in automated press-fitting operations.

  • Material and Hardness

    Available in AISI 304/316 stainless steel or 65Mn spring steel, with heat treatment applied to achieve the hardness and spring-back performance required for fastening applications.

Applications

Shaft Retaining Washers are used to secure components on plain shafts where a groove or threaded fastening method is not preferred.

Typical applications include:

  • Electric Motors

    Used for retaining small rotating components and bearings on motor shafts.

  • Cooling Fans

    Suitable for compact fan assemblies where low axial height and quick installation are required.

  • Home Appliances

    Used in compact mechanisms and rotating components where a simple press-on retention method is preferred.

  • Automotive Components

    Suitable for selected shaft-mounted components where threadless axial retention is required.

  • Industrial Equipment

    Used for retaining gears, bearings, hubs and other rotating parts.

Material Options

  • AISI 304 (A2): A standard stainless steel grade suitable for general industrial applications, enclosures, and moderate indoor or outdoor corrosive environments.
  • AISI 316 (A4): A molybdenum-bearing stainless steel grade with higher resistance to chlorides and pitting corrosion, suitable for coastal, chemical, and high-salt-spray environments.
  • 65Mn: A carbon steel grade that is heat-treated to provide stable hardness and spring-back performance, with a tensile strength of ≥800 MPa. Suitable for applications requiring high load retention and dynamic performance.
Shaft Retaining Washer

Surface Treatments

Standard surface treatment options include

  • Plain / polished / passivated
  • Trivalent blue-white zinc
  • Black oxide
  • Phosphating
  • Eco-friendly Dacromet
  • Special finishes according to customer requirements

For 65Mn products, surface treatment can be selected according to the required corrosion resistance and operating environment. The specific process and lead time are confirmed before production.

OEM/ODM — Customization and Manufacturing Strength

Zhenhua manufactures Shaft Retaining Washers using stamping, progressive die production and machining. The manufacturing process operates under an IATF 16949 quality system, with production traceability from raw material through finished components.

Customization is available for

  • Shaft diameter
  • Inner hole diameter
  • Outer diameter
  • Tooth profile
  • Tooth count
  • Wave form
  • Flange OD
  • Thickness
  • Material
  • Surface treatment

For quotation, please provide the shaft diameter, retained component, material, required quantity, application, drawing or sample, packaging requirements and destination country.

Shaft Retaining Washer

Shaft Retaining Washer vs. Other Retaining Methods

Retaining Method
Shaft Retaining Washer
Plain Washer
Circlip
Threaded Fastener
Shaft Requirement Installation Typical Use
Plain shaft Push-on Compact axial retention
Threaded / secured shaft Fastened with nut or bolt Load distribution
Grooved shaft Requires groove Removable axial retention
Threaded shaft Screw / nut tightening Higher clamping force

A Shaft Retaining Washer is particularly useful when a plain shaft is preferred and machining a groove or thread would add cost or complexity.

FAQ

Q1 Will these washers work on plain shafts?

A Yes: the internal-tooth and wave designs bite plain, unthreaded shafts directly, with no grooves or threads required. The shaft diameter should be within the recommended tolerance; the optimal profile is recommended per application.

Q2 What is the difference between a Shaft Retaining Washer and a plain washer or circlip? Can they be interchanged?

A A Shaft Retaining Washer provides axial retention by internal-tooth bite without threads or grooves; a plain washer only spreads load, and a circlip requires a groove. Confirm per shaft diameter and load.

Q3 Can the washers be reused?

A Not recommended: the internal teeth deform during first installation to achieve maximum grip, and spring-back is compromised after removal. Fit new washers for critical joints.

Q4 Which materials and finishes are available? How is the corrosion resistance?

A Materials are AISI 304/316 stainless and 65Mn; stainless plain / polished / passivated, 65Mn with blue-white zinc, black oxide / phosphating, or eco-friendly Dacromet on request. Selection depends on the service environment and is confirmed at inquiry.

Q5 What are the MOQ and lead time?

AISI 304 standard sizes are generally kept in stock and can be prioritized. Other materials and non-standard sizes typically require approximately 15–30 days, subject to specification and order quantity.

Looking for a push-on retaining solution for a plain shaft?

Send us your shaft diameter, retained component, material, quantity and drawing or sample. Zhenhua will review the application and confirm the suitable washer specification, production lead time and quotation.

Request a Quote

send your size, quantity and drawing for countersunk lock washers, and we will reply after confirming specifications and lead time.

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