Do the Conical Washers Flatten When Bolt is Torqued

Updated 06/06/2024 | Published 03/07/2017

Question:

When tightening conical washers on my new hitch, should they flatten when torqued down?

asked by: John H

Expert Reply:

Conical washers, like the Reese Washer # 01292-008, will flatten to some extent when the bolt is torqued down to specifications. They aren't necessarily supposed to get completely flat; it all depends on how much torque needs to be put on the bolt. As long as you torque the bolts down to what the installation instructions say, everything will work just fine.

expert reply by: Jon G