Not all washers are the same. While most are used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, some are designed for specific parts, such as fairing washers. What are fairing washers exactly, and what are they used for?
Overview of Fairing Washers
Fairing washers are specialized washers designed for use on fairings. Like most other washers, they are round and hollow in the center, resulting in a ring-like shape. Fairing washers, however, typically aren’t completely flat. They are domed or beveled to contour to the shape of fairings.
Fairing washers are available in the following materials:
- Stainless steel
- High-carbon steel
- Aluminum
How Fairing Washers Work
Threaded fasteners such as screws and bolts can cause structural damage to objects. When driven into an object, the threaded fastener’s load will be focused on a small surface area — the area of the object directly below the head of the fastener. Overtightening the threaded fastener may cause the object to crack in this area.
Washers like fairing washers offer a solution. They distribute the threaded fastener’s load across a larger area. Rather than being isolated to the area directly below the fastener’s head, the load will be spread across the area below the entire washer. Therefore, the bigger the washer, the more spread out the fastener’s load will be.
Fairing washers differ from traditional washers by contouring to the shape of uneven surfaces. They are designed specifically for use on fairings. Since fairings are typically curved, flat washers may not offer a smooth and flush fit. Fairing washers have curved inner profile that allows them to seat properly against an irregular, non-flat surface, such as a fairing.
Common Applications for Fairing Washers
Fairing washers are commonly used on motorcycle fairings. Motorcycles often have panels covering their structural frame. Known as fairings, these panels make motorcycles more aerodynamic while also protecting the underlying frame from the elements.
Aircraft fairings are also commonly fastened with fairing washers. Aircraft fairings include flap track fairings, landing gear fairings and tail assembly fairings. Fairing washers are often used to fasten aircraft fairings such as these.
Even boats often use fairing washers. Boats have fairings. Like motorcycle and aircraft fairings, they create a more aerodynamic shape. This means boat fairings are curved, requiring the use of domed washers for a smooth and flush finish.
