---
title: "What Are Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers Used For?"
description: "Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers (Trade series (cross-bracing washers)) are used for spreading bolt load across braced or sloped structural members with a…"
url: https://engineeringhardware.com/applications/cross-bracing-and-hillside-washers/
source: Engineering Hardware & Fasteners
---

# What Are Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers Used For?

Washers · Trade series (cross-bracing washers) · Application guide

Typical applications, the industries that specify cross-bracing and hillside washers, and how to choose the right size, material and finish for the joint.

Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers are used for spreading bolt load across braced or sloped structural members with a matched washer form. They are manufactured to Trade series (cross-bracing washers), and selection is driven by the screw size, the fit and tolerance the assembly requires, and the service environment.

- **Primary duty:** Spreading bolt load across braced or sloped structural members with a matched washer form
- **Governing standard:** Trade series (cross-bracing washers)
- **Screw size range:** 1/2 to 5/8~1-1/4
- **Category:** Washers

Application notes are general engineering guidance. Verify the property class and any approval requirement against your own design calculation.

![What Are Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers Used For? application image](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Cross-Bracing-Hillside-Washers.webp)

Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers (Trade series (cross-bracing washers)) are specified where the joint requires spreading bolt load across braced or sloped structural members with a matched washer form. The sections below cover the typical end-uses by industry, the size and material decisions for each, assembly practice, and the applications this fastener type is not suited to. Stocked across roughly 1 to 5, they cover light-duty and instrument-scale work.

## Typical Applications for Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers

The most common settings where these are specified:

- **Timber bracing:** Large hillside washers spread bolt load across angled or sloped wood surfaces.
- **Agricultural structures:** Galvanized options support exposed cross-bracing connections.
- **Pole and frame work:** The formed profile bears on an irregular timber face.
- **Heavy carpentry:** The washer geometry follows the bolt size and brace angle.

Product catalog

## Related Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers products

[![Stainless Steel AISI 316 1.4401 Spring Lock Washer, Extra Thick Heavy Pattern, DIN127 ISO7989, Size M30, Mirror Bright Polished Chrome, for Pump Base Plate](https://img.engineeringhardware.com/Stainless-Steel-AISI-316-1-4401-Spring-Lock-Washer-Extra-Thick-Heavy-Pattern-DIN127-ISO7989-Size-M30-Mirror-Bright-Polished-Chrome-for-Pump-Base-Plate.webp)](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/stainless-steel-aisi-316-1-4401-spring-lock-washer-extra-thick-heavy-pattern-din127/)

Flat & Other Precision Washers

### [Stainless Steel AISI 316 1.4401 Spring Lock Washer, Extra Thick Heavy Pattern, DIN127 ISO7989, Size M30, Mirror Bright Polished Chrome, for Pump Base Plate](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/stainless-steel-aisi-316-1-4401-spring-lock-washer-extra-thick-heavy-pattern-din127/)

SS316 · 304, 316

**US$0.03 – 0.0432**MOQ 1,000 pieces

[![Robotic mobile vehicle washer with smart touch display](https://img.engineeringhardware.com/Robotic-mobile-vehicle-washer-with-smart-touch-display.webp)](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/robotic-mobile-vehicle-washer-with-smart-touch-display/)

Flat & Other Precision Washers

### [Robotic mobile vehicle washer with smart touch display](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/robotic-mobile-vehicle-washer-with-smart-touch-display/)

Mobile · Metal

**US$27,600 – 31,200**MOQ 1 set

[![6L Dual Frequency Ultrasonic Washer for Jewelry/Glasses/Lab Instruments, Factory Direct Sale](https://img.engineeringhardware.com/6L-Dual-Frequency-Ultrasonic-Washer-for-Jewelry-Glasses-Lab-Instruments-Factory-Direct-Sale.webp)](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/6l-dual-frequency-ultrasonic-washer-for-jewelry-glasses-lab-instruments-factory/)

Flat & Other Precision Washers

### [6L Dual Frequency Ultrasonic Washer for Jewelry/Glasses/Lab Instruments, Factory Direct Sale](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/6l-dual-frequency-ultrasonic-washer-for-jewelry-glasses-lab-instruments-factory/)

Household / Commercial · CE, RoHS

**US$208.80**MOQ 1 piece

[![DIN984 Gear Retaining Ring Circlip](https://img.engineeringhardware.com/DIN984-Gear-Retaining-Ring-Circlip.webp)](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/din984-gear-retaining-ring-circlip/)

Flat & Other Precision Washers

### [DIN984 Gear Retaining Ring Circlip](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/din984-gear-retaining-ring-circlip/)

Lock Washer · Stainless Steel

**US$0.012**MOQ 1,000 pieces

[![Premium Stainless Double Stacked Self-Locking Washers for Sale](https://img.engineeringhardware.com/Premium-Stainless-Double-Stacked-Self-Locking-Washers-for-Sale.webp)](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/premium-stainless-double-stacked-self-locking-washers-for-sale/)

Flat & Other Precision Washers

### [Premium Stainless Double Stacked Self-Locking Washers for Sale](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/premium-stainless-double-stacked-self-locking-washers-for-sale/)

Lock Washer · Stainless Steel

**US$0.0864 – 0.0869**MOQ 3,000 pieces

[![BS 3410 7/8 1 BMS Heavy Pattern/Light Pattern Plain Flat Round Washer](https://img.engineeringhardware.com/BS-3410-7-8-1-BMS-Heavy-Pattern-Light-Pattern-Plain-Flat-Round-Washer.webp)](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/bs-3410-7-8-1-bms-heavy-pattern-light-pattern-plain-flat-round-washer/)

Flat & Other Precision Washers

### [BS 3410 7/8 1 BMS Heavy Pattern/Light Pattern Plain Flat Round Washer](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/bs-3410-7-8-1-bms-heavy-pattern-light-pattern-plain-flat-round-washer/)

Flat Gasket · Stainless Steel

**US$0.12 – 0.60**MOQ 1,000 pieces

[View all Flat & Other Precision Washers →](https://engineeringhardware.com/fastener-products/washers/flat-other-precision-washers/) [Full product catalog](https://engineeringhardware.com/products/)

## How to Specify Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers for Your Application

- **Size:** Match the nominal size to the mating thread or hole. This product spans 1–5; check the full table below for the exact dimensions of each size.
- **Type & OD:** Select flat for load spreading, spring/serrated for anti-loosening, or fender/large-OD for soft or oversized holes.
- **Environment:** For damp, coastal or chemical exposure prefer A4/316 stainless or a suitable coating; indoors, plated steel or A2 is usually sufficient.
- **Standard:** This product is supplied to Trade series (cross-bracing washers). Quoting the standard on your order guarantees interchangeable dimensions between suppliers.

## Installation & Assembly Practice

- Place the washer under the rotating element (usually the nut) so tightening does not score the surface.
- Chamfered-hole side of a hardened washer faces the bolt head fillet.
- On serrated-flange hardware, do not add a plain washer — it defeats the serrations.

## Common Selection Mistakes with Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers

- Relying on a spring washer for locking on class 8.8+ joints — at high preload it flattens and adds nothing.
- Choosing an OD too small for soft material, so the head pulls through or embeds.

## Where Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers Are Not the Right Choice

A washer does not replace a locking feature on its own in severe vibration, and a spring washer adds little clamp on high-strength joints.

Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing

## Need a cross-bracing and hillside washers outside the standard range?

Bore, outside diameter, thickness, temper and finish are the variables here — there is no thread to specify, so the fit and the bearing area are what the drawing has to pin down. Made by stamping or punching.

Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.

[Custom washer manufacturing](https://engineeringhardware.com/custom/washers/)[Send a drawing](https://engineeringhardware.com/custom/washers/#rfq)

## Technical Drawing

Dimensioned line drawing of 3/8 Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers to Trade series (cross-bracing washers). Side view and top view, drawn to the dimensions in the table below and redrawn for any size selected.

- **A (in):** 13/16
- **B (in):** 7/16
- **C (in):** 3/8
- **D (in):** 9/16
- **E (in):** 1-3/4
- **F (in):** 7/8
- **G (in):** 9/16
- **H (in):** 1/4
- **J (in):** 1-1/16
- **K (in):** 1-3/16
- **L (in):** 7/16
- **M (in):** 5/16

## Dimensions & Specifications (Trade series (cross-bracing washers))

| Bolt size (in) | A (in) | B (in) | C (in) | D (in) | E (in) | F (in) | G (in) | H (in) | J (in) | K (in) | L (in) | M (in) | N (in) | O (in) | P angle (deg) | Finish options |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 3/8 | 13/16 | 7/16 | 3/8 | 9/16 | 1-3/4 | 7/8 | 9/16 | 1/4 | 1-1/16 | 1-3/16 | 7/16 | 5/16 | 3/8 | 1-3/8 | 53 | plain / galvanized steel |
| 1/2 | 1 | 3/4 | 3/8 | 5/8 | 2-1/16 | 15/16 | 5/8 | 7/8 | 1-1/4 | 1-5/16 | 9/16 | 1/4 | 3/8 | 1-1/2 | 54 | plain / galvanized steel |
| 5/8~1-1/4 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | plain / galvanized steel |

Inside the plant

## Manufactured in our own plant

This part is cold-formed, threaded, heat-treated and finished in-house. The stages below are where its class and finish are actually decided.

1. ![Wire rod feeding into a cold heading machine](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/09-wire-rod-feed-cold-heading-machine.webp) 01 **Cold heading** Wire rod is drawn to size and cold-formed into blanks. Forming rather than cutting keeps the grain flow continuous around the head, which is where a bolt is most likely to fail. Head dimensions and under-head radius checked at set-up and per shift.
2. ![Thread rolling machine producing bolt threads](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/03-thread-rolling-machine-bolt-production.webp) 02 **Thread rolling** Threads are rolled between hardened dies rather than cut. Rolled threads are stronger in fatigue than cut threads and hold pitch and flank angle far more consistently across a batch. Go / no-go ring gauges to ISO 965 tolerance class 6g.
3. ![Baskets of bolts staged for heat treatment](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/05-heat-treatment-baskets-black-bolts.webp) 03 **Heat treatment** Quench-and-temper brings carbon and alloy steel to the property class ordered — 8.8, 10.9 or 12.9 — with the furnace charge tracked so a finished lot can be traced back to it. Core hardness and tensile tested per lot to ISO 898-1.
4. ![Zinc plated bolts in a treatment basket](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/23-zinc-plated-bolts-treatment-basket.webp) 04 **Surface treatment** Zinc, zinc-nickel, hot-dip galvanizing, black oxide, phosphate and Dacromet, selected against the service environment rather than against the price list. Coating thickness and neutral salt spray hours to ISO 9227.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers used for?

Spreading bolt load across braced or sloped structural members with a matched washer form. They are supplied to Trade series (cross-bracing washers).

### Which industries use Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers?

They are commonly specified in pole and frame work, heavy carpentry and timber bracing, among other sectors.

### How do I choose the right size of Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers?

Match the nominal size to the mating thread or hole. This product is available from 1 to 5; the full dimension table on this page lists each size.

### Do Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers actually stop bolts loosening?

Spring and serrated washers help maintain tension under light vibration, but for critical joints a prevailing-torque locking nut or adhesive is more reliable. Flat washers mainly spread load and protect the surface.

### Can I get a quote for Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers in the size and material I need?

Yes. Use the technical drawing and quote form on this page to set the size and options, then send the exact configuration to our team for pricing and lead time.

## Related Pages

Product page: [Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers — specifications & sizes](https://engineeringhardware.com/fastener/cross-bracing-and-hillside-washers/)

### Cross-Bracing and Hillside Washers Specification Guides

### Related Fastener Applications