Which item helps prevent surface damage when tightening a fastener by distributing load?

Which item helps prevent surface damage when tightening a fastener by distributing load?

• A. Clevis Bolt
• B. Eye Bolt
• C. Plain Washer
• D. Fillister

Answer: (C)

Distributing the load under the fastener is what prevents surface damage. A plain washer sits flat against the surface and under the bolt head or nut, increasing the bearing area and lowering the pressure applied to the surface. That spread reduces indentation, gouging, or crushing of softer materials and helps the fastener seat evenly. The plain washer is built for this purpose, making it the best choice for protecting surfaces. The other items serve different roles: a clevis bolt is for a clevis connection, an eye bolt for lifting or anchor points, and a fillister head screw is a type of screw head; without a washer, they don’t reliably spread the load to protect the surface.

Distributing the load under the fastener is what prevents surface damage. A plain washer sits flat against the surface and under the bolt head or nut, increasing the bearing area and lowering the pressure applied to the surface. That spread reduces indentation, gouging, or crushing of softer materials and helps the fastener seat evenly. The plain washer is built for this purpose, making it the best choice for protecting surfaces.

The other items serve different roles: a clevis bolt is for a clevis connection, an eye bolt for lifting or anchor points, and a fillister head screw is a type of screw head; without a washer, they don’t reliably spread the load to protect the surface.