STAINLESS STEEL SCHNORR LOCKING WASHER VS TYPE

Schnorr Locking Washer VS Type — The VS type takes Schnorr's ramped two-piece safety washer principle and adds a serrated element to the design, giving the assembly a mechanical bite against the bearing face on top of the spring and ramp action the S type already provides. That combination - spring-loaded ramp travel plus direct mechanical engagement - gives the VS type a more robust anti-loosening effect than the S type alone, which is why it is the specification of choice on joints seeing higher vibration levels or where the consequences of loosening are serious enough that relying on spring force and ramp geometry alone is not considered sufficient margin. The trade-off is reusability: because the serrated element actively bites into the mating surface, repeated removal and retightening gradually reduces its locking effectiveness, so for critical joints, fitting a new VS type washer on reassembly rather than reusing the old one is the generally recommended practice. It is a step up from a simple toothed lock washer too, in that it combines the mechanical engagement with a defined, engineered spring force from the conical disc, giving a more controlled and predictable preload-retention characteristic than a plain toothed washer relying on bite alone. Material selection follows the same logic as the rest of the safety washer range: spring steel is the default where mechanical performance is the priority, A2 (304-equivalent) stainless where general corrosion resistance is needed alongside the locking function, and A4 (316-equivalent) specifically for marine, coastal, or chemically exposed machinery, where the added cost buys meaningful protection against chloride-driven degradation of the spring and serrated elements. Choosing the right VS type washer means matching the bore to the fastener diameter and specifying it over the plain S type specifically where higher vibration levels or the safety and reliability profile of the joint justify the additional mechanical engagement.

FAQs
Is the VS type reusable?
Because it incorporates a mechanical biting element, repeated removal and retightening can reduce its locking effectiveness over time; for critical joints, replacement after disassembly is generally recommended.

How does the VS type compare to a toothed lock washer?
Both rely on mechanical engagement with the mating surface, but the VS type combines this with a defined spring force from the conical disc, giving a more controlled preload retention characteristic than a simple toothed washer alone.

How do I choose the correct Schnorr VS type washer?
Match the bore to the bolt diameter and specify the VS type over the S type where the application involves higher vibration levels or where the joint is safety- or reliability-critical.