Which is the correct side of the copper washer?

[fernando mendes]

The flat side of the copper washer is toward the screwhead or.....

[mudflap]

Hi Fernando,

Not sure what you mean... Do you have a pic you could show us ?

Best Regards....

[fernando mendes]

Hi mudflap.

[mudflap]

Hi Fernando,

Are those the solid copper washers used in the brake system ? (Based on the pics, they look to be solid.)

If so, it should not make a difference which way they are used.

If that's not the case, let me know....

Best Regards....

[fernando mendes]

Hi mudflap.That was an answer I saw in a Dodge pilothouse(1948-1954) forum.
Looks like a stamp formed washer so you have slight roll in on one edge and sharp on the other. Personally, I put the round edge against the larger flat surface and the sharp edge by the bolt head, as any deformation of the parent material in the stamping process will create a SLIGHT concavity/convexity.
Best Regards.

[mudflap]

Hi Fernando,

If it is a solid copper washer, like those used on a brake system, I really can't think of any advantages with either orientation.

If any concave/convex distortion is present, it will disappear quickly as the bolt is torqued down.

On troublesome joints (ones that maybe have a rough surface and won't seal easily) I have had good luck annealing the copper washer by momentarily heating it with a torch. This softens the copper, making it more compliant.

Best Regards...

[YLG80]

The flat side of the copper washer is toward the screwhead or.....

Hello Fernando,
The round edge or chamfer, if present, on a washer, made in copper or other metal, is more related to the punching process than to the use of the washer.
The chamfer/round edge is conditioned by the press die shape.
The die shape is optimized for industrial reasons, i.e avoid burrs, process speed, quality and reliability.

Here is a comment about that round edge/chamfer found in a technical journal:

It is found that the minimum average burr heights of AISI 1018 and AISI 202 sheet occur when they are cut using the chamfer and convex piercing punches at cutting speeds of 35 and 30 m/s, respectively, and a thickness of 2 mm.

Depending upon the material and its thickness to be punched, they change the die design accordingly to optimize the above mentioned parameters.

Yves

[fernando mendes]

Thanks to mudflap and Yves.Regards.