You’ve finally got the keys to your new home, the boxes are piled high, and your new appliances have just been delivered. It’s an exciting time, but if you’ve ever installed a washing machine, you know the golden rule: never turn it on until those heavy-duty transit bolts are removed.

But as you stand behind your new tumble dryer, spanner in hand, you might be wondering: Do tumble dryers have transit bolts too? It’s a common source of confusion for DIY enthusiasts and new homeowners alike. Getting this wrong could lead to a very noisy first laundry load—or worse, a broken machine.

Quick Answer: Do Tumble Dryers Have Transit Bolts?

In most cases, no. Standard standalone tumble dryers do not usually require transit bolts because their drums are lighter and do not have heavy concrete counterweights.

However, washer-dryer hybrids almost always have them, and specific high-end heat pump models (such as those from Miele, Samsung, or Bosch) may use shipping brackets or internal supports.

Always check the rear of the machine for plastic caps or bolts before your first use.

Tumble Dryer vs. Washing Machine: Installation Checklist

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s look at how your dryer compares to its sister appliance, the washing machine.

Feature	Washing Machine	Tumble Dryer
Transit Bolts	Always present (usually 3–4)	Rarely present (model dependent)
Drum Suspension	Heavy springs and dampers	Fixed rollers or light bearings
Internal Weight	Concrete blocks (very heavy)	Lightweight (mostly air/heating elements)
Moving Risk	High (drum can smash the outer tub)	Low (drum is generally more stable)
Primary Packaging	Bolts and plastic spacers	Polystyrene blocks and tape

Wait. Now comes the question, how much does a washing machine weigh acutally.

Why do people think tumble dryers have transit bolts?

The confusion usually stems from two places. First, many of us use a “Washer-Dryer” combo. Because these machines perform a high-speed spin cycle (often up to 1400 or 1600 RPM), they require heavy-duty transit bolts to protect the internal suspension during delivery. If you are installing a hybrid machine, you must remove those bolts or you risk destroying the motor.

Secondly, if you look at the back of a standalone tumble dryer, you’ll often see circular indentations or plastic caps. These aren’t always for bolts; they are often access points for the heating element, moisture sensors, or manufacturing holes. Unlike washing machines, which have heavy concrete counterweights that need to be locked down, a standard tumble dryer drum is relatively light and doesn’t “swing” as violently during transport.

Identifying if your specific tumble dryers have transit bolts

While most standard vented and condenser dryers skip the bolts, the technology in heat pump tumble dryers is more complex. Because these units contain a compressor (similar to a refrigerator), some premium brands include shipping brackets to prevent internal components from shifting.

Expert Tip: Brands like Miele and Samsung are known for using transit supports on their high-end models. If you see bright red or yellow plastic components on the back of the machine, these are transit safety assemblies that must be removed.

To be 100% sure, perform the “Drum Test.” Open the door and try to rotate the drum by hand. It should move smoothly with a small amount of resistance. If it feels completely locked or “fixed” in place, there is likely transit packaging or a shipping bracket still attached.

Always check your user manual for the “Unpacking” section. If your machine does have a “transport safety assembly,” it will be clearly illustrated there.

What happens if you forget to remove transit packaging?

If your dryer is one of the rare models that does include a shipping bracket or if you’ve left the polystyrene base inside, you’ll know about it quickly.

• Excessive Vibration: The machine may “walk” across your utility room floor or make a heavy banging sound.
• Voided Warranty: Manufacturers often won’t cover repairs caused by “user installation error,” which includes leaving transit supports in place.
• Internal Damage: Forcing a locked drum to spin can snap the drive belt, overheat the motor, or damage the delicate sensors required for modern energy-efficient drying.

Moving house? How to secure your dryer for the journey?

If you’re moving house, you don’t typically need to hunt for old transit bolts for a standard dryer. However, you should still take precautions:

1. Tape the door shut: Prevent it from swinging open and catching on doorframes.
2. Empty the water tank: If it’s a condenser or heat pump model, ensure the reservoir is bone dry to avoid leaks onto the circuit boards during transit.
3. Keep it upright: Dryers are best moved in their natural standing position to protect the internal rollers and ensure any remaining condensation doesn’t enter the electronics.

Final Recap for Homeowners

When it comes to the question “do tumble dryers have transit bolts?”, the answer is usually no—but for premium heat pump models and washer-dryer hybrids, the answer is a firm yes.

Always verify the drum moves freely, check for bright plastic “tags” on the back, and consult the manual before you start your first load. Happy moving!

Related Article: Why Is My Indesit Tumble Dryer Not Heating – How to Fix?

FAQ about Do Tumble Dryers Have Transit Bolts

1. Do I need a spanner to install a new tumble dryer?

Generally, no. Most dryers only require you to adjust the levelling feet by hand or with a basic wrench. You won’t need the heavy-duty spanner required for washing machine bolts unless you have a washer-dryer hybrid.

2. Can I reuse washing machine bolts on my dryer?

No. The threads and lengths are specific to the machine’s chassis. If your dryer requires bolts, you must use the ones supplied by that specific manufacturer.

3. Why is my new tumble dryer making a loud vibrating noise?

If there are no bolts, check that the machine is perfectly level. Use a spirit level on the top and adjust the feet. Also, check that you’ve removed the polystyrene block often found underneath the machine or wedged in the lint filter area during shipping.

4. Where can I buy replacement shipping bolts?

If you have a model that requires them (like a washer-dryer hybrid) and you’ve lost them, search by your model number on the manufacturer’s official spare parts website.