The paper presents a theoretical analysis of deflections of circular and rectangular cantilever plates of an elastically built-in edge. The problem has been solved using the finite difference method. A method of determination of load distribution between two plates being in contact along an arbitrary line has been presented. Different shapes of these plates constitute models of mating of cylindrical and globoidal worm meshings. To verify the presented theory of searching for load distributions along the contact lines in these meshings, experimental investigations with the freezing of stresses in the cylindrical worm meshing have been carried out. Directions of investigations that would specify further theoretical considerations over load distribution in globoidal gear meshings have been indicated.