What are washers and what are they used for?

Washers are flat, ring-shaped discs with a hole in the center, commonly used in tools and construction. They are typically made of metal, such as stainless steel or brass, but can also be made of plastic, rubber, or other materials. Washers can come in a variety of diameters and thicknesses and are available in different versions depending on their specific application area.

The main purposes of washers are:

• Pressure distribution: They help distribute the pressure of the screw head or nut across the joining surface to prevent damage to the material and the fastener from embedding.
• Spacers: Washers can serve as spacers to control the depth of penetration of screws or bolts.
• Vibration reduction: Some washers are specially designed to dampen vibrations and thereby extend the service life of the connection.
• Sealing: Certain types of washers can also be used to seal a connection against moisture or other forms of contamination.

Overall, washers help increase the stability, reliability, and durability of connections in DIY and construction work.