BS 4518 is the standard cited for bonded sealing washers. This page sets out what the standard controls for this part, reproduces the dimensional table supplied against it, and notes the related designations referenced on drawings.
BS 4518 — Scope
BS 4518 specifies the dimensional requirements for bonded sealing washers. Material, surface condition and any performance rating are set by separate documents specific to this part family — ISO 898-1 and ISO 898-2, which govern bolt and nut property classes, do not apply here.
Tolerance & Product Grades
Tolerances for bonded sealing washers are given as limits on the individual dimensions in the table rather than as a fastener product grade. Where a general-tolerance class is cited on the drawing instead, it applies to the dimensions not otherwise toleranced.
Dimensions Specified by BS 4518
| Thread size | Inner diameter d1 (mm) | Outer diameter d2 (mm) | Thickness s (mm) | Seal material | Max temperature (deg C) | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 | 4.1 | 8 | 1.0 | NBR | 120 | BS 4518 |
| M5 | 5.1 | 10 | 1.0 | NBR | 120 | BS 4518 |
| M6 | 6.1 | 12 | 1.5 | NBR | 120 | BS 4518 |
| M8 | 8.2 | 14 | 1.5 | NBR | 120 | BS 4518 |
| M10 | 10.2 | 16 | 1.5 | NBR | 120 | BS 4518 |
| M12 | 12.2 | 19 | 2.0 | NBR | 120 | BS 4518 |
| M14 | 14.2 | 21 | 2.0 | NBR | 120 | BS 4518 |
| M16 | 16.3 | 24 | 2.0 | NBR | 120 | BS 4518 |
| M18 | 18.3 | 26 | 2.0 | NBR | 120 | BS 4518 |
| M20 | 20.3 | 28 | 2.0 | NBR | 120 | BS 4518 |
| M22 | 22.3 | 30 | 2.0 | NBR | 120 | BS 4518 |
| M24 | 24.3 | 32 | 2.0 | NBR | 120 | BS 4518 |
| M27 | 27.4 | 36 | 2.5 | NBR | 120 | BS 4518 |
| M30 | 30.4 | 39 | 2.5 | NBR | 120 | BS 4518 |
| M33 | 33.5 | 43 | 2.5 | NBR | 120 | BS 4518 |
| M36 | 36.5 | 46 | 2.5 | NBR | 120 | BS 4518 |
Companion Standards
BS 4518 controls only the geometry of bonded sealing washers. Surface finish is governed by separate finish standards (for example ISO 4042 for electroplating), and corrosion testing by ISO 9227 (neutral salt spray). Mechanical performance is set by the standards specific to this part family, not by ISO 898-1 or ISO 898-2, which apply to bolts, screws and nuts.
When to Specify BS 4518
Choose BS 4518 for international engineering work and OEM supply where ISO standards are the contractual reference. It is the default modern specification for bonded sealing washers.

