Description

A plain washer is a flat, thin plate with a hole in the middle that distributes the load of a fastener. They are also known as flat washers. How they work Plain washers increase the bearing surface area of a screw They reduce the pressure on the surface being fastened They protect the surface from damage They can be used as spacers They can provide electrical insulation Where they are used Plain washers are used in industrial and domestic applications They are used to protect soft materials like timber from fasteners They can be used when the hole is larger than the nut Other types of washers Spring washers: Curved washers that provide tension and preload in a joint assembly Lock washers: Designed to prevent fasteners from loosening Fender washers: Larger washers with a small hole in the center that spread out the load across a larger area