Vollrath BCO-16

SCREWS AND WASHERS

A screw is a type of fastener, in some ways similar to a bolt typically made of metal, and characterized by a helical ridge, known as a male thread (external thread). Screws are used to fasten materials by digging in and wedging into a material when turned, while the thread cuts grooves in the fastened material that may help pull fastened materials together and prevent pull-out.

A screw drive is a system used to turn a screw. At a minimum, it is a set of shaped cavities and protrusions on the screw head that allows torque to be applied to it. Usually, it also involves a mating tool, such as a screwdriver, that is used to turn it. Other examples include Phillips head screws and screwdrivers, and Allen hex screws and wrenches.

A washer is a thin plate (typically disk-shaped, but sometimes square) with a hole (typically in the middle) that is normally used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or nut. Other uses are as a spacer, spring (Belleville washer, wave washer), wear pad, preload indicating device, locking device, and to reduce vibration (rubber washer). Spring washers, which have axial flexibility are used to prevent fastening or loosening due to vibrations. Locking (lock) washers prevent fastening or loosening by preventing unscrewing rotation of the fastening device.