Why Use Washers?

① If the base material is very soft, tightening bolts or screws can damage the surface of the base plate. Using washers distributes this compressive force over a larger area, preventing damage to the plate surface.

② If the base material is very soft and the hole surrounding the fastener has already been damaged, stripping failure may occur during tightening. This happens because the force applied during tightening is often sufficient to pull the fastener through the base plate material. The washer helps reduce the concentrated stress.

③ When the surface of the base plate into which a bolt or screw is screwed is not sufficiently smooth or flat, the head of the fastener is likely to become jammed. Using a washer ensures the bolt or screw glides smoothly, making installation easier.

④ Certain washers feature specialized designs to prevent nut loosening. Commonly known as lock washers, these come in various configurations—slotted, star-shaped, wave-shaped, and more. Such lock washers require use in conjunction with nuts.