Fender Washer
A fender washer is a flat type of washer with a larger outer diameter in proportion to its center hole. Its oversized design helps spread the load of a fastener over a greater surface area. This makes it ideal for thin materials like sheet metal. This type of washer is commonly used in automotive, sheet metal, plumbing and electrical applications. It is named after the fact that it is often used to secure bolts and nuts to automobile fenders.
Washers serve a variety of purposes, and they help protect mechanical parts from damage by distributing the load of a threaded fastener. They can also be used for spacing purposes, such as when a spacer is placed between two fasteners before affixing them with a nut. Washers are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and materials, with many finished with additional strengthening materials like neoprene, zinc or stainless steel.
As the name suggests, fender washers are commonly used in automotive and other types of body repair work. They are also frequently employed in other mechanical applications like wood paneling and drywall construction projects. These washers can prevent corrosion between a mechanical part like an aluminum surface and a steel screw, they reduce abrasion and noise in mechanical assemblies, and they provide electrical insulation. They can even be used to seal spaces in plumbing and hydraulic projects. For added durability, these washers are manufactured with a thicker gauge than standard flat washers. fender washers