Washers are primarily used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, prevent surface damage to the connected parts, and reduce friction during installation. Certain types also prevent loosening caused by vibration.
Nylon washers are ideal when you need non-conductive, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight fasteners. They offer excellent electrical insulation and chemical resistance, making them perfect for electronics and light-duty mechanical applications.
Neoprene washers provide outstanding sealing properties against liquids and gases. They are highly flexible, absorb vibrations, and offer great resistance to weathering, ozone, and oil, making them popular in plumbing and outdoor assemblies.
Fender washers have a significantly larger outer diameter relative to their inner hole size. This design allows them to distribute the clamping force over a much wider surface area, which is essential when fastening thin metal sheet, wood, or soft plastics.
A standard assembly includes a threaded bolt (the male fastener), a matching nut (the female fastener to secure the connection), and one or more washers placed under the bolt head or nut to protect surfaces and distribute tension evenly.