Which components work together to secure a screw or bolt in place?

The combination of a nut and washer is effective in securing a screw or bolt in place. The nut, which is threaded, is designed to fit onto the bolt's threaded shaft, providing a strong hold. It tightens down against the material being fastened, creating a clamping effect that prevents loosening due to vibration or movement.

The washer plays a crucial role by distributing the load of the nut over a larger surface area, which helps to prevent damage to the material being fastened and provides additional friction to reduce the chances of the nut loosening over time. The use of a washer can also help in maintaining the integrity of the connection, especially when dealing with softer materials that could be damaged by the nut directly.

While the other options involve components that can be useful in fastening, they may not work together as effectively for the purpose of securing a screw or bolt. For instance, a rivet is a permanent fastener and doesn't fit into the same context as the nut and bolt system, whereas a lock washer is specifically used to prevent nuts from loosening rather than to facilitate a secure fastening in the same sense as a washer accompanying a nut.