Rubber and metal washers solve opposite problems. Choosing correctly — or combining them — makes the difference between a joint that seals and one that leaks or loosens.
What metal washers do
Metal washers in steel, stainless or brass spread clamping load, protect surfaces from the bolt head, and resist high torque without deforming. They're structural — but they don't seal against liquids or absorb vibration.
What rubber washers do
Rubber washers seal against water and air, cushion and dampen vibration, and electrically insulate. They compress to fill surface imperfections that a rigid metal washer can't.
When to use each — or both
| Goal | Use |
|---|---|
| Spread heavy clamp load | Metal |
| Seal against leaks | Rubber |
| Reduce vibration & noise | Rubber |
| Both load and seal | Metal + rubber together |
A common pro move is a metal washer for load plus a rubber washer for the seal. Pick your rubber compound in the material guide, size it with the size guide, and find what you need here.