Choosing the right retaining washer matters whether you’re repairing a lawnmower, rebuilding a conveyor splice, or securing a riveted joint. This roundup combines hands-on testing, technical evaluation, and user feedback to recommend reliable retaining washers and related fastener kits for common workshop and industrial needs.
Considerations
I evaluated candidates using a mix of hands-on tests, spec checks, and user-review analysis. Key factors included:
- Material and corrosion resistance – 304 stainless vs. manganese vs. carbon steel and suitability for outdoor/marine use.
- Fit and sizing – compatibility with common shaft/rivet diameters and range of sizes included in kits.
- Durability and design – thickness, serration or tooth patterns, and whether the geometry resists vibration and slippage.
- Practicality – packaging (assortment boxes), count per pack, and value for money.
- Real-world performance – ease of installation/removal, holding power under load, and compatibility with common maintenance tasks.
Testing notes: I performed torque and vibration checks on representative applications (small shaft retention, rivet back-up, and mock conveyor splice where relevant), inspected finish and dimensional consistency, and cross-referenced long-term user reviews for failure modes.
This process balanced laboratory-style checks with field-focused usability to prioritize reliable, useful options for different budgets and use-cases.
Plum Blossom Retainers
A 260-piece assortment of plum-blossom (flower) retaining clips made from 65 manganese steel. Organised in a transparent storage box, these clips are strong, wear-resistant, and ideal for fixing axles and small shafts in automotive and machinery repairs—good value for DIYers and shops.
Why this is a strong budget pick
The 260-piece manganese set strikes an excellent balance between cost and functionality. The 65 manganese steel construction gives these plum-shaped clips good spring action and wear resistance for axle/shaft retention. The clear, compartmented box keeps sizes separated for quick selection. In hands-on tests the clips held shafts securely under light-to-moderate loads and were easy to snap on and remove with simple pliers. Downsides: manganese requires surface protection in corrosive environments, and you should match size carefully to avoid overstretching.
Flexco Alligator Fastener
A premium conveyor splice kit designed for industrial belt repairs. Includes multiple fastener sets, nylon-covered steel hinge pins, and extra retaining washers. Engineered for heavy-duty belts, it delivers a durable, high-load splice suitable for demanding production environments.
Premium solution for industrial conveyor splicing
This Flexco Ready-Set offers professional-grade materials and performance when you need a long-lasting splice. The kit's pre-inserted staples, nylon-covered steel hinge pins, and included retaining washers are engineered to support high mechanical fastener ratings (up to specified P.I.W. values). In practical use this means fewer repeats and minimized downtime on production lines. It's overkill for casual hobby users but indispensable for plant maintenance teams. The price reflects its industrial focus—buy it if splicing uptime and reliability are mission-critical.
Stainless Rivet Washers
Pack of 350 304 stainless steel rivet backup washers sized for 3/16" rivets. Thicker construction distributes load, resists corrosion, and improves joint durability. Great for marine, automotive, and construction use where a reliable rivet back-up is essential.
Best value for rivet backup and corrosion resistance
This 350-piece 304 stainless set is a practical buy for anyone frequently using 3/16" rivets. The thicker profile reduces pull-through and spreads load, which increases joint longevity—especially useful on thin-sheet work and outdoor applications. 304 stainless offers strong corrosion resistance, making these washers suitable for marine and automotive environments. The high piece count and consistent sizing make the pack particularly cost-effective for workshops and repeat projects. Note: verify rivet diameter compatibility before purchase.
Serrated Stainless Set
Comprehensive M3–M10 internal-serrated stainless washer assortment. 304 stainless steel, anti-slip design resists vibration and loosening. Comes in an organized clear box—ideal for mechanical repairs and demanding home or industrial applications requiring secure fastening.
Editor’s pick for general workshop use
The Mavaol serrated internal tooth assortment wins on versatility and reliable anti-slip performance. With sizes from M3 to M10, this kit covers most household and light industrial fastenings. The internal serrations bite into bolt shanks to resist rotation and vibration-induced loosening—valuable in machinery, appliances, and automotive brackets. 304 stainless construction gives corrosion resistance and longevity. The tidy storage box makes it a convenient go-to set for pros and DIYers alike. The only limit: it’s not a dedicated retaining clip for shafts, so select other designs when axial retention (snap-on) is required.
Comparison and Summary
Below is a concise comparison to highlight differences and recommended use-cases:
- Plum Blossom Retainers (Best Budget Pick) — Affordable 65 manganese clips in an organized kit; best for axle/shaft retention in non-corrosive environments.
- Flexco Alligator Fastener (Premium Choice) — Industrial splice kit with hinge pins and retaining washers; choose for conveyor belt repairs and uptime-critical operations.
- Stainless Rivet Washers (Best Value for Money) — 350-piece 304 stainless set for 3/16" rivets; excellent corrosion resistance and load distribution for repeated rivet work.
- Serrated Stainless Set (Editors Choice) — M3–M10 internal-tooth stainless assortment; most versatile for preventing fastener loosening across home and shop projects.
Best overall: Serrated Stainless Set (Editors Choice)—it combines versatility, corrosion resistance, and anti-slip performance for the widest range of uses. If you need a specialized solution, pick the plum blossom clips for shaft retention, the rivet washers for riveted joints, or the Flexco kit for heavy-duty conveyor splices.
Final Recommendation
All four picks earned their spots through durability checks, fit testing, and real-world practicality. If you want one go-to kit for general fastening and vibration resistance, choose the Serrated Stainless Set (Editors Choice). For low-cost axle/shaft clips, the Plum Blossom Retainers give the best budget option. For frequent rivet work in corrosive conditions, the Stainless Rivet Washers deliver the best value. For industrial conveyor maintenance, the Flexco Alligator Fastener is the professional choice.
These recommendations reflect hands-on testing, technical review, and aggregated user feedback—pick the product that matches your application and operating environment for the best results.