Hardware Tip: Use Trim Washers to Assemble Shop Projects
I often use trim washers like those you see in the photo below when it comes to assembling shop projects. Despite their name, these simple washers are not just decorative. They can save you a bit of time and solve some other problems as well.
From a time standpoint, they eliminate the need for drilling a separate countersink — which can speed up assembly time. But more importantly, you don’t have to worry about the countersink “blowing out” when you’re putting in screws near an edge.
And finally, trim washers can prevent “overdriving” the screw. Which can be a problem in softer materials.