Flat Washers
A flat washer is a thin, disk-shaped piece of metal, plastic, or another material with a central hole. It is typically used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or a screw, over a larger surface area. The washer helps prevent damage to the surface being fastened and provides a more even distribution of pressure.
Key features include:
Shape:
Flat washers are generally round with a flat, smooth surface on both sides.
Central Hole:
They have a centrally located hole, which allows them to be placed around the threaded shaft of a bolt or screw.
Material:
Flat washers can be made from various materials, including metal (such as steel, stainless steel, or brass), plastic, rubber, or fiber.
Function:
The primary function of a flat washer is to prevent the fastener from digging into the material it is fastening, spreading the load over a larger area, and providing a more stable connection.
Types:
There are different types of flat washers, such as plain washers (simple flat disks), fender washers (larger outer diameter for increased load distribution), and lock washers (designed to prevent loosening of fasteners due to vibrations).


