Why washers matter with moving bolts on washers and dryers

Part of our guide on steps to ready your fridge for moving

Washers with moving bolts secure your washer and dryer drum during transport, preventing damage and costly repairs if handled properly.

What a washer does for a bolt in washer and dryer shipping

Washers on moving bolts serve to spread the force that bolts apply when securing the drum inside washers and dryers during transport. Without washers, the bolt's pressure focuses on a small area, risking dents or cracks in mounting surfaces.

These washers are usually metal or heavy-duty plastic and measure around one inch in diameter. They act as buffers, reducing movement by enlarging the bolt's footprint against the appliance frame.

The washer ensures that the bolt clamps the drum securely and evenly, preventing drum shifts that can cause internal damage. Washer presence also helps absorb vibrations and shocks from transportation bumps, protecting sensitive parts.

Without washers, bolts can embed into or deform mounting points, causing rattles or alignment issues that lead to noisy operation or premature wear after installation. The other half of this decision is time needed to unpack belongings.

How to remove shipping bolts and washers before appliance use

Removing moving bolts and washers is essential before using a washer or dryer. Keep bolts and washers for potential future transport, but their presence during operation can damage the machine.

Typically, 3 to 6 bolts with washers secure the drum at the appliance's rear panel. Use a wrench or socket slightly larger than the bolt head, usually between 10mm and 14mm, depending on the model.

Step-by-step removal: We go through applying carpet protectors correctly step by step elsewhere on the site.

1. Unplug the appliance and pull it away from the wall to access the rear.

2. Locate all shipping bolts holding the drum in place; each has a washer underneath the head.

3. Using the correct tool, turn each bolt counterclockwise to remove it along with its washer. Before you commit to anything, it is worth looking at checklist for moving into a home.

4. Store bolts and washers in labeled bag to avoid loss.

5. Confirm all bolts and washers are removed before plugging the appliance back in and using it.

If any washer remains behind or bolts are partially unscrewed, the drum could suffer damage during spinning cycles. Removing all properly is non-negotiable.

1. Unplug appliance and pull out from wall
2. Locate shipping bolts at rear
3. Use wrench/socket to unscrew bolts counterclockwise
4. Remove washers with bolts
5. Store bolts and washers safely for later

How to reinstall bolts and washers if needed for future moves

If you plan to move or store the washer or dryer again, reinstalling the shipping bolts and washers is mandatory. They secure the drum and prevent internal damage during transport.

Use the exact bolts and washers removed at the start. Mismatched sizes or missing washers reduce protection and increase damage risk.

To reinstall: align each bolt with its original hole at the appliance rear, insert with washer under bolt head, then tighten clockwise firmly but avoid overtightening which might damage threads.

Check that each bolt with washer fits flush without gaps. Usually, bolts are tightened to hand-tight plus a quarter turn with a wrench; too loose risks drum movement, too tight risks stripping threads.

Correct reinstallation protects against shocks and vibrations, ensuring the appliance arrives at its new location intact and ready to use after bolt removal again.

1. Retrieve original shipping bolts and washers
2. Align bolts with holes at appliance rear
3. Insert bolts with washers under heads
4. Tighten bolts hand-tight plus quarter turn
5. Check all bolts and washers are flush and secure

Risks of moving washers and dryers without shipping bolts and washers

Moving washers or dryers without shipping bolts and washers invites damage. The drum inside is free to shift, typically weighing 50-100 pounds depending on model, risking impact against internal parts.

Unsecured drums can cause bent suspension rods, broken shock absorbers, and misaligned motors. These failures lead to vibration, noise, and costly repairs.

Washer drums especially need protection; damage may not show immediately but will cause performance drops and even leaks over time.

Removing bolts to use the appliance but neglecting to reinstall them before moving leaves the drum unsecured. This is the most common cause of moving damage to washers and dryers.

The financial and time cost of repairing drum misalignment or suspension damage easily exceeds the cost of keeping and reinstalling the bolts and washers.

Why washers are critical with moving bolts and how they improve load distribution

Washers increase the contact area between the bolt head and the appliance frame, reducing local stress from the bolt's clamping force.

Without washers, bolts apply pressure on a narrow ring or point, which can lead to deformation or cracking of the mounting surface.

The washer's flat surface spreads this pressure evenly, stabilizing the bolt and preventing micro-movements during transport jolts.

This load distribution effect is especially critical for plastic or thin metal mounting brackets found on many modern washers and dryers.

In practice, washers also reduce the risk that bolts loosen during transport since they provide friction and keep the bolt seated properly, enhancing stability.

Their absence increases the likelihood of damage to mounting brackets, drum misalignment, and internal suspension failure after the move.

Common mistakes and myths about moving bolts and washers on appliances

Myth: Shipping bolts and washers can be discarded after moving. Fact: They must be saved and reinstalled for all future moves or damage risk rises greatly.

Mistake: Removing only some bolts or washers. Fact: All must be removed before use to prevent damage and noise; partial removal is ineffective.

Myth: Washers on bolts are optional. Fact: Washers are essential to spread load and prevent damage; bolts without washers increase damage risk.

Mistake: Over-tightening bolts on reinstall. Fact: Tighten bolts firmly but not beyond hand-tight plus a quarter turn; overtightening can damage threads.

Myth: You can use any bolt or washer. Fact: Only the original or manufacturer-specified bolts and washers fit properly and protect the appliance.

Understanding these facts protects your investment. Ignoring them leads to costly repairs and appliance failure.

• Discarding bolts: leads to drum damage during moves
• Partial removal: causes noise and internal damage
• Skipping washers: risks frame cracks and misalignment
• Over-tightening bolts: damages threads and mounting points
• Using wrong bolts/washers: reduces protection significantly

Questions people still ask

Having moved many washers and dryers myself, I never skip removing or reinstalling these bolts and washers.