Can flat washers be used under a nut or bolt to spread the load over a greater area?

Flat washers are indeed designed to be used under nuts and bolts to distribute the load over a larger surface area. This is particularly important in mechanical applications to prevent damage or deformation to the material being fastened. By spreading out the force exerted by the nut or bolt, flat washers help reduce potential stress points, which can lead to failure of the joint or the components being fastened.

Using flat washers also aids in preventing the nut or bolt from embedding itself into softer materials, which can compromise the integrity of the connection. They can also assist in keeping surfaces flat and stable, ensuring a more secure fastening.

While flat washers can be utilized in many scenarios, their size and suitability may depend on the specific application and the size of the fasteners involved, but the fundamental principle of their use remains the same across various applications. The effectiveness of flat washers is recognized universally, making them a common component in many fastening systems.