how to determine if i need hardened washers?

[Asa]

to prevent the bolts from bottoming out

i was thinking of threading a bolt all the way down into the block, and measuring how much was left, then putting a bolt through the head and seeing how much was on the end, then finding the difference

other ideas?

 

[addo]

That'll work fine - 1/16" (with no washer) for safety's sake is plenty. Moly grease both sides of the washer, and under the bolt head. I buy the generic hardened washers because I'm cheap.

 

[Asa]

will it say hardened washers, or some sort of random name?

 

[t-west]

The bin at the hardware store will say hardened washers. Around here they're sort of brassy colored.
--tom

 

[addo]

Here, they're known as "Feds" because of the importer's brand. Colour is as Tom described; a goldy-yellow plating. I think when you look very closely they have a slight tumbled finish.