ISO Certified Technical Reference

ISO 7089 Plain Washers — Normal Series

Product Grade A flat washers for metric bolts and screws. Load distribution, surface protection, and assembly integrity — from M1.6 to M64 in steel, stainless steel, and specialty materials.

What Is ISO 7089?

The international standard for plain washers that distribute clamping force and protect assembled surfaces under bolted joints.

ISO 7089 specifies the characteristics of plain washers, normal series, Product Grade A, for general-purpose use with metric bolts, screws, and nuts. These washers sit under the bolt head or nut to distribute the clamping load over a larger surface area, preventing damage to the assembled parts and reducing the risk of loosening.

Product Grade A

Tight Tolerances

ISO 7089 is Product Grade A, meaning tighter dimensional tolerances on inner diameter, outer diameter, and thickness. Ensures consistent fit and load distribution in precision assemblies.

Normal Series

Standard Load Distribution

The normal series provides the standard outer diameter-to-inner diameter ratio for general bolting. For larger bearing surfaces, specify ISO 7093 (large series) or ISO 7094 (extra large series).

Key Takeaway: ISO 7089 is the modern international successor to DIN 125-A. While largely interchangeable, always verify that the washer's inner diameter (d1) clears the bolt shank and the outer diameter (d2) provides adequate bearing surface for your specific application.

Standard Specifications

Size Range & Dimensions

  • Nominal size range: M1.6 up to and including M64
  • Inner diameter (d1): Slightly larger than nominal bolt diameter to ensure clearance
  • Outer diameter (d2): Standard bearing surface for normal series
  • Thickness (h): Varies by size — thicker washers for larger bolts
  • Product Grade A: Tighter tolerances on all dimensions

Materials & Hardness Classes

  • Steel Washers — 200 HV: For use under property class ≤ 8.8 bolts and nuts. General-purpose, economical.
  • Steel Washers — 300 HV: For use under property class 8.8 to 10.9 bolts and nuts. Hardened to prevent embedding under high preload.
  • Stainless Steel: A2 (SS 304) and A4 (SS 316) for corrosive environments. Supplied in annealed condition.
  • Non-Ferrous Metals: Brass, copper, and aluminum washers available for electrical, thermal, or chemical compatibility.
  • Coatings: Zinc plated, hot-dip galvanized, and plain (oiled) finishes available for steel washers.

ISO 7089 vs DIN 125 — Key Differences

ISO 7089 and DIN 125-A are largely interchangeable for most sizes, but there are differences in how standards are referenced and some dimensional tolerances:

Feature DIN 125-A ISO 7089
Standard OriginGerman (legacy)International (active)
Product GradeGrade A (tight)Product Grade A
ChamferNo chamfer (square edge)No chamfer (square edge)
Chamfered VariantDIN 125-BISO 7090
Size RangeM1.6 – M64M1.6 – M64
Thickness ToleranceDIN 267ISO 4759-1

For chamfered plain washers (one side beveled to clear bolt fillet radius), specify ISO 7090 (replaces DIN 125-B) instead of ISO 7089.

ISO 7089 Key Dimensions

Dimensions in millimetres for common sizes. d1 = Inner Diameter, d2 = Outer Diameter, h = Thickness.

Size d1 (min) d1 (max) d2 (max) h (nom) h (min) h (max)
M55.35.4810.01.00.81.2
M66.46.6212.01.61.31.9
M88.48.6216.01.61.31.9
M1010.510.7720.02.01.72.3
M1213.013.2724.02.52.22.8
M1617.017.2730.03.02.73.3
M2021.021.3337.03.02.73.3
M2425.025.3344.04.03.74.3
M3031.031.3956.04.03.74.3
M3637.037.6266.05.04.45.6
Hardness Class Selection: Always match washer hardness to bolt grade. A 200 HV washer under a 10.9 bolt will embed into the washer, reducing preload and causing joint relaxation. For structural bolting (8.8 and above), specify 300 HV hardened washers. For stainless steel bolts, use matching stainless washers to prevent galvanic corrosion.

When & Where to Use ISO 7089 Washers

Load Distribution

The primary function of ISO 7089 washers is to distribute the clamping force of the bolt or nut over a larger bearing area. This prevents crushing, embedding, and surface damage in softer materials like aluminum, wood, and plastic.

Surface Protection

Washers protect painted or coated surfaces from scratching and galling during tightening. Essential for architectural steel, façade systems, and aesthetic assemblies where bolt head marks are unacceptable.

Joint Integrity

Hardened 300 HV washers prevent embedding under high preload, maintaining consistent clamp force over time. Critical for vibrating machinery, rotating equipment, and transportation applications.

Coastal UAE Projects

For outdoor and marine environments, specify A4-316 stainless steel ISO 7089 washers paired with A4 bolts. Using zinc-plated steel washers with stainless bolts creates a galvanic cell that accelerates corrosion.

Structural Steel

For structural connections using ISO 4014/4017 Grade 8.8 or 10.9 bolts, always use 300 HV hardened washers per ISO 7089. This is mandatory in many building codes to prevent bearing failure and ensure consistent friction in slip-critical joints.

Complete RFQ Format

"ISO 7089 M16 plain washer, normal series, 300 HV hardened steel, zinc plated Cr3+, Product Grade A."

Complementary Washer & Fastener Standards

Standard Description When to Use
ISO 7090Plain washers, chamfered — Normal series, Grade AWhen bolt fillet radius requires chamfer clearance
ISO 7091Plain washers — Normal series, Grade CGeneral purpose, looser tolerances, lower cost
ISO 7092Plain washers — Small series, Grade ASpace-constrained assemblies, smaller OD
ISO 7093Plain washers — Large series, Grade ASoft materials needing larger bearing surface
ISO 7094Plain washers — Extra large series, Grade CTimber, plastic, very soft substrates
DIN 125-APlain washers, unchamferedLegacy drawings, German machinery
DIN 125-BPlain washers, chamferedLegacy drawings requiring chamfer
DIN 6916Hardened washers for structural boltingHV structural connections, DIN standard
ASTM F436Hardened steel washers (inch series)ASTM A325 / A490 structural bolting
ISO 4014 / 4017Hexagon head boltsMating bolts for ISO 7089 washers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ISO 7089 and ISO 7090?
ISO 7089 is a plain washer with square edges. ISO 7090 is the same washer but with a chamfer on one side (typically 30°). The chamfer clears the fillet radius under the bolt head or nut, ensuring full flat contact. Use ISO 7090 when the bolt has a pronounced head fillet or when full bearing contact is critical.
What is the difference between 200 HV and 300 HV washers?
200 HV washers are unhardened or lightly hardened, suitable for use under property class ≤ 8.8 bolts. 300 HV washers are through-hardened to resist embedding under high preload from 8.8 to 10.9 bolts. Using 200 HV washers under high-strength bolts causes the washer to dish and the joint to lose preload.
Can I use ISO 7089 with inch-series bolts?
No — ISO 7089 is designed for metric bolts only. The inner diameter (d1) is sized for metric thread diameters. For inch-series bolts (UNC, UNF), use ASTM F436 (hardened) or SAE USS / SAE Fender washers. Mixing metric washers with inch bolts results in excessive clearance or interference.
Should I use a washer under the bolt head, the nut, or both?
For general applications, a single washer under the nut side is sufficient. For structural or high-preload joints, use two washers — one under the bolt head and one under the nut — to distribute load on both clamped surfaces. For slotted or oversize holes, always use a washer under the head to bridge the gap.
Can I use zinc-plated steel washers with stainless steel bolts?
No. Dissimilar metals in contact create a galvanic cell that accelerates corrosion of the less noble metal (zinc in this case). The zinc will sacrifice itself, leaving a rust stain and eventually failing. Always pair stainless bolts with stainless steel washers (A2 with A2, A4 with A4).
What is the difference between ISO 7089 and DIN 125?
They are largely identical in dimensions for most sizes. ISO 7089 is the modern international standard that superseded DIN 125-A. The main differences are in tolerance references (ISO 4759-1 vs. DIN 267) and standard numbering. For new projects, specify ISO 7089. For legacy German equipment, DIN 125 remains acceptable.

Need ISO 7089 Washers in UAE?

We stock ISO 7089 plain washers in 200 HV and 300 HV carbon steel, A2-304 and A4-316 stainless steel, with zinc plating, HDG, and plain finishes. Same-day dispatch from RAK FREEZONE across UAE & GCC.

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