In its most basic form, a washer is a component used to distribute the load of a threaded bolt. There are a number of washers used in the aerospace industry, one of which includes lock washers. Designed to securely fasten nuts and bolts in place, in addition to distributing a load, lock washers are metallic fasteners that come in a variety of materials like stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, and phosphor bronze. Used among many assemblies, they are available in many subtypes, such as split washers and star washers, and they effectively prevent nuts and bolts from turning, slipping, or coming loose due to vibration. As typical nuts have the potential to loosen as a result of vibration, lock washers are designed as another layer of protection, preventing vibration and torque from knocking a bolt out of place due to its physical properties.