Sim-Lab Cap Washers vs. Standard Washers for Sim Rigs
By Sim-Lab - Making motorsports accessible | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Comparisons
Compare Sim-Lab cap washers with standard washers for sim racing rigs. Learn when cap washers improve finish and fit, and when standard washers are the practical choice.
Quick answer
Choose Sim-Lab cap washers when you want a clean, finished look on visible brackets and a snug fit on common M5, M6, and M8 bolts. Standard washers are the better budget pick when the hardware is hidden or you need extra versatility.
Why cap washers differ from standard washers
Standard washers spread the clamping load and prevent the bolt head from digging into the bracket. Cap washers do the same job but add a finished outer surface that hides the bolt head and gives the assembly a more polished, professional appearance. On a sim rig where brackets and fasteners are often visible, this cosmetic difference matters more than you might think.
The Sim-Lab cap washers are machined from aluminium and come in black, blue, or red, with the Sim-Lab logo engraved on each washer. They are sold in sets of six and include extra bolts and washers so they fit all common Sim-Lab brackets. Standard washers from a hardware store are cheaper and more widely available, but they lack the color-matched finish and the precise fit that cap washers offer.
Fit and sizing considerations
Cap washers are not one-size-fits-all. Sim-Lab offers them in M5, M6, and M8 sizes, so you need to match the washer to the bolt diameter you are using. Standard washers come in a wider range of sizes and are easier to source locally, but they may not sit flush on the bracket if the outer diameter is too large or too small.
The included extra bolts and washers in the Sim-Lab set make it easy to finish multiple brackets without buying separate hardware. This is a practical advantage when you are assembling a rig and want a consistent look across all mounting points. However, if you only need one or two washers, the set price may be more than you want to spend compared to a handful of standard washers.
Cap washers vs. standard washers: trade-offs
- Appearance: Cap washers hide the bolt head and add a color-matched, engraved finish. Standard washers are plain and leave the bolt head exposed. If looks matter, cap washers are the clear choice for visible brackets.
- Cost and value: Sim-Lab cap washers cost more per piece than standard washers, but the set includes extra bolts and washers, so you may not need to buy additional hardware. Calculate how many brackets you need to finish before deciding.
- Versatility: Standard washers come in more sizes and are easier to find locally. Cap washers are limited to M5, M6, and M8, which cover common sim rig bolts but not every possible application. Check your bolt sizes before ordering cap washers.
Product facts
- Sim-Lab Cap Washers (Set of 6): Aluminium cap washers with engraved Sim-Lab logo, available in black, blue, or red, in M5, M6, or M8 sizes, six pieces per set, and include extra bolts and washers to fit all common brackets. The color-matched finish and included hardware let you complete a clean, uniform look across your rig without sourcing extra parts.
Sim-Lab Cap Washers (Set of 6)
Which should you choose?
Best for
- Sim racers who want a clean, professional look on visible brackets
- Builders using common M5, M6, or M8 bolts on Sim-Lab brackets
Not for
- Budget-focused builders who need only a few washers and don't care about appearance
- Applications requiring non-standard bolt sizes outside M5, M6, or M8
