Penny washers, also known as repair washers or mudguard washers, are large-diameter washers with a small central hole designed to distribute loads over a wider surface area than standard washers. Available in various materials including stainless steel, zinc plated steel, and galvanised finishes with EPDM sealing, these essential fixings prevent damage to softer materials and provide secure fastenings where standard washers would pull through. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks penny washers from trusted manufacturers like Timco, offering professional-grade solutions for both trade and DIY applications.

The distinctive larger outer diameter of penny washers makes them ideal for repairs, timber construction, and roofing applications where load distribution is critical. Whether you need sealing washers with EPDM rubber bonding for weatherproofing or standard penny repair washers for structural work, the range at MyToolShed covers essential fixing requirements across multiple trades.

Applications

Penny washers are widely used across numerous trades and industries:

Roofing: Securing corrugated sheets, fixing roof panels, and weatherproofing applications with EPDM sealing washers
Carpentry and joinery: Timber repairs, fence construction, and preventing bolt pull-through in softwood
Automotive and fabrication: Mudguard mounting, panel repairs, and bodywork fixings
General building and maintenance: Structural repairs, securing cladding, and fixing to damaged or oversized holes
Agricultural work: Farm equipment repairs, gate hanging, and outdoor structure maintenance
Plumbing and drainage: Securing pipework, mounting tanks, and external fixings requiring weather resistance

Choosing The Right Penny Washers

Consider these key factors when selecting penny washers from MyToolShed.co.uk:

Material and finish: Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance for marine or coastal environments, zinc plated suits general indoor use, whilst galvanised or aluminium options provide good weather protection for outdoor applications
Sealing requirements: EPDM sealing washers feature bonded rubber for waterproofing and are essential for roofing, cladding, and external fixings where moisture ingress must be prevented
Hole and outer diameter: Match the central hole to your bolt or screw diameter, and select an outer diameter appropriate for the material thickness and load distribution needed
Load capacity: Larger diameter washers distribute weight more effectively across softer materials like timber or thin sheet metal
Environmental conditions: Marine, coastal, or chemically aggressive environments require stainless steel; standard outdoor use suits galvanised or EPDM sealed options

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between penny washers and standard washers?

Penny washers have a significantly larger outer diameter relative to their central hole compared to standard washers. This increased surface area distributes loads more effectively, preventing pull-through in softer materials and making them ideal for repairs where the original fixing hole may be damaged or oversized.

When should I use EPDM sealing washers?

EPDM sealing washers feature bonded rubber and should be used wherever weather sealing is required, particularly for roofing applications, external cladding, corrugated sheet fixings, and any outdoor installation where preventing water ingress around the fastener is essential.

Are stainless steel penny washers worth the extra cost?

Stainless steel penny washers provide superior corrosion resistance and are worthwhile for permanent outdoor installations, coastal environments, marine applications, or anywhere long-term durability without maintenance is required. For temporary repairs or indoor use, zinc plated or galvanised options offer excellent value.