Spacers & Shims

Shims and spacers are similar in their appearance, but are actually quite different in their function, and each is useful for a different reason. Shims are a wide class of specialty flat washers that are used for both spacing and positioning. With the appearance of a common flat washer, however they are often made from non-ferrous metals and materials. Shims are made using precise specifications and specific materials to smooth corners, a parallel face, and flat edges. Shims have flat surfaces and unvarying thickness. Spacers are also referred to as a stand-off. They are a fixed-size component, and are made for maintaining a specific distance between two parts. While shims may feature a thin profile, spacers are designed in a wide range of thicknesses. Spacers can also be used as axles, bushings, sleeves, or pins.