Lock It Down with a Bearing Tab Washer

When you're working with gear that spins – like shafts, bearings, or moving assemblies – keeping everything locked in tight is a must. That’s where a bearing tab washer comes in. It's a simple bit of kit, but it does a critical job: stopping your lock nut from working loose when things start shaking or twisting. Whether you're out on the tools or managing machinery, it's a small part that keeps everything running smoothly and safely. Holding an important role in our Bearing & Shaft Accessories range, these washers provide a reliable, mechanical lock that you can count on.

How a Tab Washer for Roller Bearings Works

A tab washer might look basic, but it’s clever when you dive beneath the surface. Here’s how it gets the job done:

1. First, you slide the washer onto the shaft. It’s got a tab on the inside that fits into a groove (called a keyway) on the shaft, so it doesn’t spin aroun
2. Then you tighten your lock nut up against it.
3. Once that nut's cranked down properly, you bend one of the outer tabs on the washer into a slot on the nut.
4. That tab locks the nut in place, so it won’t rattle loose, no matter how much vibration or torque it cops.

They’re available for all common shaft sizes – 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm and beyond – so you can always get the right fit.

Applications & Benefits

You’ll find tab washers for roller bearings just about everywhere – from car gearboxes and industrial gear drives to conveyor systems. If you’ve got a bearing on a shaft and you don’t want anything moving when it shouldn’t, a tab washer is the go-to.

They’re tough, reliable, and easy to use. The reason they’re a best seller? They hold fast under vibration – something a regular nut just can’t guarantee. Plus, they’re a cost-effective way to protect your gear from coming apart at the worst possible time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I reuse a bearing tab washer?

It’s not a good idea to reuse a bearing tab washer. These are made to be bent once. Reusing them weakens the metal, and next time it might not hold – or worse, snap off. Always go with a fresh one.

2. What are they made from?

Most bearing tab washers are made from solid steel or stainless steel – strong enough to cop the stress and last the distance.

3. How do I choose the right size?

Simple – match the washer to the size of your shaft and lock nut. Each washer has a model number (like MB5, MB8) which lines up with specific metric thread sizes. Just double-check your gear to get the right match.

4. When should I use a tab washer?

Any time you’re securing a bearing with a lock nut – especially if there’s vibration, movement, or a risk of serious damage if something comes loose. It’s cheap insurance.

5. What’s the difference between the inner and outer tabs?

• The inner tab locks into the shaft, so the washer doesn’t rotate.
• The outer tabs get bent into the lock nut slots to stop the nut from spinning.