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Penny / Repair Washers

(9 products)

Penny washers feature an oversized outer diameter designed to spread heavy bolt loads over thin metal, timber, or enlarged holes. Essential for bodywork and repairs, Available in both metric and imperial sizes.

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Penny washers also universally known as repair washers or fender washers are flat washers distinguished by their wide outer diameter relative to a small inner bolt hole. Originally named in the UK due to their historical similarity in size to the old British pre-decimal penny coin, these wide-flange washers are specifically engineered to spread clamping pressure across a much broader surface area than a standard Form A or Form C washer. This large surface area makes them indispensable when fastening soft or fragile materials like thin sheet metal, timber, plastics, and fiberglass, preventing the bolt head or nut from pulling through or distorting the substrate under tension.

Beyond load distribution, repair washers are the go-to fixing solution for bridging worn, corroded, or oversized clearance holes during maintenance and automotive bodywork. For general interior fabrication, HVAC ductwork, and timber assembly, our Bright Zinc Plated (BZP) Repair Washers offer cost-effective, reliable performance. For outdoor construction, agricultural equipment, or marine environments exposed to severe weather, choosing A2 Stainless Steel Penny Washers ensures long-term resistance to rust and joint seizure. If you need standard-diameter washers for tight-clearance engineering jobs, be sure to check our Form A Washers Collection for standard metric dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a penny washer and a standard flat washer?

The main difference is the ratio between the inner hole and the outer diameter. A standard flat washer (like a Form A) has a small outer diameter designed for standard clearance. A penny washer has a significantly larger outer surface area relative to its hole size, allowing it to spread clamping loads much farther and cover damaged or enlarged fixing holes.

Why are penny washers often called repair or fender washers?

They are called "repair washers" because tradespeople frequently use them to fix damaged, enlarged, or rusted-out fixing holes without having to replace the surrounding panel. The term "fender washer" originates from the automotive industry, where mechanics use them on sheet metal vehicle fenders and body panels to prevent bolts from pulling through thin steel under vibration.

How do I choose the correct penny washer dimensions for my bolt?

Penny washers are listed by two key dimensions: the internal metric bolt size (e.g., M6, M8, M10) and the total outer diameter (e.g., 25mm, 30mm, 40mm). First, match the "M" size to your bolt thread diameter so the washer fits cleanly over the shank. Then, select the outer diameter based on how much surface area you need to cover or how soft the material being clamped is.