Can DIN 6798V Conical External Serrated Lock Washers Be Used with Stainless Steel Fasteners
2026-10-19
When specifying fastening systems for stainless steel assemblies, engineers frequently ask whether DIN 6798V Conical External Serrated Lock Washers are a compatible choice. At Zhenhua, we manufacture these conical serrated lock washers in a range of materials and finishes, and stainless steel fasteners are among the most common mating applications we support. The short answer is yes—DIN 6798V Conical External Serrated Lock Washers can be used with stainless steel fasteners, provided that material grade, hardness, and environmental conditions are matched correctly. This article explains the technical considerations, practical limits, and selection guidance that matter in real assemblies.
Why the Conical Serrated Design Works with Stainless Fasteners
The conical shape of DIN 6798V Conical External Serrated Lock Washers generates a spring-like axial load when compressed, while the external serrations bite into the bearing surface to resist loosening. Stainless steel fasteners often exhibit lower yield strength and a greater tendency toward galling than carbon steel equivalents, so the washer's spring compensation and anti-rotation teeth are particularly valuable. Zhenhua produces these washers with controlled cone height and tooth geometry to deliver consistent seating load.
Key Compatibility Factors
| Factor | Consideration | Zhenhua Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Material grade | A2/A4 stainless vs. carbon steel washers | Match washer grade to bolt grade to limit galvanic risk |
| Hardness | Serrations must bite without crushing | Select hardened washers when mating with soft stainless |
| Galling | Stainless-on-stainless contact can seize | Use lubricated or coated variants where disassembly is frequent |
| Corrosion | Chloride-rich environments attack 304 | Specify A4/316 washers for marine or chemical exposure |
| Temperature | Creep affects preload at elevated heat | Verify spring retention above 200 °C |
Practical Application Checklist
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Confirm the fastener property class and the washer's hardness range before assembly.
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Use DIN 6798V Conical External Serrated Lock Washers with matching stainless grades to avoid galvanic coupling.
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Apply controlled torque so serrations seat without over-compressing the cone.
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Inspect for galling after repeated tightening cycles.
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Specify Zhenhua washers with documented material certificates for critical joints.
FAQ
Q: Can DIN 6798V Conical External Serrated Lock Washers be used with A2-70 stainless bolts?
A: Yes. A2-70 bolts pair well with DIN 6798V Conical External Serrated Lock Washers made from A2 stainless or hardened carbon steel with suitable coating. Confirm that the washer hardness exceeds the bolt surface hardness enough for the serrations to bite, and avoid over-torquing, which can crush the cone and reduce spring retention.
Q: Do these washers cause galvanic corrosion on stainless fasteners?
A: Galvanic risk depends on the washer material. DIN 6798V Conical External Serrated Lock Washers in A2 or A4 stainless are essentially compatible with matching stainless fasteners. Carbon steel washers with zinc or zinc-flake coatings are acceptable in dry indoor service but should be avoided in humid, marine, or chloride-rich environments where dissimilar-metal coupling accelerates corrosion.
Q: Are DIN 6798V Conical External Serrated Lock Washers reusable after disassembly?
A: Reuse is possible but should be evaluated case by case. Each tightening cycle compresses the cone and flattens the serrations, reducing locking performance. Zhenhua recommends replacing DIN 6798V Conical External Serrated Lock Washers in safety-critical or vibration-intensive joints, and inspecting reused washers for cone height loss and tooth wear before reinstalling.
Selection Guidance from Zhenhua
For stainless steel assemblies, Zhenhua supplies DIN 6798V Conical External Serrated Lock Washers in A2, A4, and hardened coated steel, with dimensional verification to DIN 6798V and batch-level material traceability. Our engineering team can advise on grade matching, coating selection, and torque guidance for your specific joint design.
Contact us today to request samples, dimensional drawings, or a quotation for DIN 6798V Conical External Serrated Lock Washers tailored to your stainless steel fastening application.
