Plastic leveling shims are thin, wedge-shaped pieces of material used to level and align surfaces, so they are plumb, square, and level. These handy tools are essential in construction, carpentry, and many other industries where leveling is critical. They are widely used in various trades, particularly in construction and fenestration, to achieve precise leveling and alignment in projects. Shims can be made from many different materials, plastic, wood, and metal, each with their own advantages. Plastic shims are particularly popular because of their durability, versatility, and water and rot resistance. Unlike wood shims which can absorb moisture and deteriorate over time, plastic shims stay the same in both indoor and outdoor environments, making them a great choice for long-term use.
There are many types of leveling shims, each for different applications and industries. Knowing the characteristics and benefits of each type will help you choose the right shim for your project. It is also important to check stock availability to avoid delays in your project:
Plastic Shims: Made from durable plastic, these shims are for high strength and water and rot resistance applications. They come in many colors and thicknesses, for visible and hidden applications.
Wood Shims: Traditional wood shims are still widely used in construction and carpentry. They are a cost effective solution for leveling surfaces and can be trimmed to fit specific gaps. But they are best for indoor use where moisture is not a concern.
Metal Shims: Metal shims are used in heavy duty applications, such as machinery and equipment installation where high strength and precision is required. They have excellent load bearing capacity and resist deformation under heavy loads.
Custom Shims: Many manufacturers offer custom shim solutions, where customers can specify unique shapes, sizes and materials to fit their needs. Custom shims are for specialized applications where standard shims may not fit or perform. Composite shims, for example, offer a combination of materials that provide enhanced strength and flexibility, making them ideal for various specialized applications.
Plastic shims offer several benefits in various applications, making them a preferred choice for many professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Here are some key advantages:
Durability* Water Resistance: Unlike wood shims, plastic shims are water and rot resistant. This makes them ideal for applications where moisture is present, so they stay the same over time.
Easy Identification: Many plastic shims are color coded, so it’s easy to identify the correct thickness. This reduces errors and saves time during installation.
Versatility: Available in various shapes, sizes and thicknesses, plastic shims are suitable for many applications. Whether you need them for construction, furniture leveling or other projects, there’s a plastic shim to fit your needs.
Cost-Effective: Plastic shims are often less expensive than those made from other materials. This makes them a good option for many projects without compromising on quality or performance.
Hard composite shims, on the other hand, are specifically beneficial in heavy-duty applications due to their superior strength and durability.
Choosing the right shim for your application is easy if you consider the following:
Thickness: Determine the required thickness of the shim for your application. Plastic shims come in many thicknesses, so make sure to choose the correct one for proper leveling and support.
Material: Consider the material the shim will be used with. While plastic shims are good for most applications, some projects may require shims made from metal, wood, or hard composite for high durability and strength.
Shape: Choose a shim that fits the desired shape and size of the application. Plastic shims are available in many shapes, including stacked and sheet styles, to fit different needs.
Load Capacity: Assess the load capacity required for your application. Plastic shims have different load capacities, so make sure to choose one that can handle the weight and stress of the project.
Application: Think about the specific application and the type of shim required. For example, construction projects may need thicker shims for structural support, while furniture leveling may need thinner shims for fine adjustments.
Leveling shims are used in many construction applications to level surfaces. Here are some common construction applications of leveling shims:
Window and Door Installation: Leveling shims are used to level windows and doors. This prevents water damage and air leaks for energy efficiency and structural integrity.
Cabinetry and Furniture Installation: Leveling shims are needed for leveling and aligning cabinets, shelves and other furniture. They provide a stable and secure installation so the furniture doesn’t rock or tilt and cause damage or discomfort. DIY furniture levelers are also beneficial for home projects, offering an easy and effective way to ensure furniture stability.
Flooring Installation: Leveling shims are used to level and align flooring surfaces so they are even and smooth. This is especially important in areas where precise leveling is required to avoid trip hazards and aesthetics.
Machinery and Equipment Installation: Leveling shims are used to level and align heavy machinery and equipment. Proper leveling ensures optimal operation and prevents damage, extends the life of the equipment and safety.
Timely shipping is key to ensure shims are available when needed for various construction tasks.
Now you know the types and applications of leveling shims, you can make informed decisions for your construction projects. Whether you are installing windows, leveling furniture or setting up heavy machinery, the right shims will make all the difference.
Proper installation and use of shims is crucial to ensure their effectiveness and longevity. Here are some tips to follow:
Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use. This ensures you are using the shims correctly and safely.
Clean the Surface: Before installing the shim, make sure the surface is clean and dry. This helps in achieving a secure and stable placement.
Apply Even Pressure: When placing the shim, apply even pressure to prevent damage or uneven leveling. This ensures the shim performs its function effectively.
Check for Level: Regularly check the level of the surface to ensure the shim is working correctly. This helps in maintaining the desired alignment and stability.
Replace as Needed: Over time, shims may wear out or degrade. Replace them as needed to maintain the desired level and prevent damage to the surrounding material.
By following these tips, you can ensure your shims provide the necessary support and stability for your projects, and enhance their overall quality and durability.
At Certified MTP we understand that every project is unique and may require custom shim solutions. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. Whether you need custom thicknesses, shapes, or materials, we can work with you to create the perfect shim for your application. Our custom shim solutions are designed to provide precise leveling and stability, ensuring that your project is completed to the highest standards.
We offer a wide range of customization options, allowing you to choose the exact specifications that match your project requirements. From unique shapes to specific thicknesses, our custom shims are crafted with precision to ensure a perfect fit. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible solution to achieve optimal leveling and support in your construction or home improvement projects.
Our shim manufacturing process is designed to ensure the highest quality and precision. We use state-of-the-art technology and equipment to produce shims in a variety of materials, including plastic, wood, and more. Our manufacturing process includes:
Material Selection: We carefully select the highest quality materials to ensure durability and performance. Whether it’s plastic for its water resistance or wood for its traditional appeal, we choose materials that meet the specific needs of your project.
Cutting and Shaping: We use advanced cutting and shaping techniques to create shims in a variety of shapes and sizes. Our precision machinery ensures that each shim is cut to the exact specifications required for your application.
Quality Control: We inspect every shim to ensure that it meets our high standards for quality and precision. Our rigorous quality control process ensures that each shim performs as expected, providing reliable support and stability.
Packaging and Shipping: We carefully package and ship our shims to ensure that they arrive at your doorstep in perfect condition. Our efficient shipping process ensures timely delivery, so you can keep your project on schedule.
The Leveling Shims category has products designed for concrete units. These shims are needed for constructions and restaurant table shims to be even and aligned. Customer reviews are great, many products have high ratings. Whether you are working on small residential projects or large commercial developments, these shims will support and stabilize.One of the products in this category is plastic shims for concrete units. These shims come in sizes 2 x 2 x 1/16in, 2 x 2 x 1/8in, 2 x 2 x 1/4in, 2 x 2 x 1/2in with different quantities per box. They are made of durable and high quality plastic materials that can withstand heavy loads and moisture, for long lasting performance.
Also the category has precast shims for concrete units. These shims come in sizes 4 x 6 x 1/16in4 x 6 x 1/4in, 4 x 6 x 1/18in with different quantities per box. The precast shims are designed to provide extra support and stability, for larger construction projects.
Another product in this category is M.A. Industries plastic shims. These shims come in 2 x 2 x 1/16in, 2 x 2 x 1/8in, 2 x 2 x 1/4in, 2 x 2 x 1/2in sizes with different quantities per carton. Made by a well known brand, these plastic shims are high quality and reliable.
For specific case quantities the Polylok 3065-SH118Polylok 3065-SH316 plastic shims are available. These cases have 100 shims in 1/8” or 1/16” sizes so you have enough shims for your project.
In summary the Leveling Shims category has products with a wide range of shims for leveling concrete units in different construction projects. These shims are made of plastic materials for long lasting and stability. Whether you need small or large quantities this category has the solution for your leveling needs. Check the FAQ section for more info about the products and their uses. The FAQ section provides answers to common questions about plastic leveling shims and their manufacturing process.
Leveling shims are essential tools in construction and home improvement projects, a simple and effective solution for aligning and leveling structures, fixtures and furniture. These small, wedge shaped pieces are used to fill gaps or make fine adjustments in positioning, so everything is perfectly aligned and level. This 2000 word article will cover the types of shims, their uses in construction and how to make a shim for different projects.Shims are used in many areas of construction and home improvement to achieve precise leveling and alignment. From installing doors and windows to making sure furniture sits level on an uneven floor, shims are small but crucial parts in ensuring the stability and longevity of both structures and furniture.
Plastic Shims: These shims come in sizes 2 x 2 x 1/16in, 2 x 2 x 1/8in, 2 x 2 x 1/4in, 2 x 2 x 1/2in with different quantities per box. They are made of durable and high quality plastic materials that can withstand heavy loads and moisture, for long lasting performance.
Precast Shims: These shims come in sizes 4 x 6 x 1/16in4 x 6 x 1/4in, 4 x 6 x 1/18in with different quantities per box. The precast shims are designed to provide extra support and stability, for larger construction projects.
M.A. Industries Plastic Shims: These shims come in 2 x 2 x 1/16in, 2 x 2 x 1/8in, 2 x 2 x 1/4in, 2 x 2 x 1/2in sizes with different quantities per carton. Made by a well known brand, these plastic shims are high quality and reliable.
Polylok 3065-SH118 and Polylok 3065-SH316: For specific case quantities these shims are available. These cases have 100 shims in 1/8” or 1/16” sizes so you have enough shims for your project.
Doors and Windows: Installing doors and windows requires precision so they open and close properly. Shims are used to align the door or window frame perfectly within the wall opening. They help in achieving the plumb and level by adjusting the frame before securing it permanently.
Furniture and Home Furnishings: In homes with wooden floors, it’s common to find uneven surfaces. DIY furniture levelers and table wedges are types of shims used to stabilize furniture, prevent rocking or tilting which can cause damage or discomfort. DIY furniture levelers save time and money from extra cost of new furniture.
Foundation and Structural Work: In bigger construction projects, shims are used to set the foundation and other structural elements. Hard composite shims are used here because of their strength and durability.
Choose the right shim by considering the project requirements:
Material Requirements: Choose a shim material that suits the environment and load. For outdoor use, hard composite or plastic shims for durability and moisture resistance.
Size and Thickness: Shims come in different sizes and thicknesses. Choose the right size so they can be applied without trimming or multiple layers.
Color: For visible applications, consider the color of the shims. Many plastic shims are available in colors that match the surrounding materials.
Proper installation of shims is key:
Measure and Trim: Before installation, measure the gap and trim the shim. Overhanging shims can be ugly or a tripping hazard.
Stacking Shims: In some cases, shims need to be stacked to fill bigger gaps. Make sure shims are stacked stable so they won’t shift over time.
Securing Shims: Once in place, shims should be secured. This can be done with adhesive, nails or screws depending on the application.
Shims are low maintenance but check them periodically especially if they carry heavy loads or exposed to elements. Replace shims that show signs of wear or degradation to maintain the integrity of the structure or furniture.
Q: What are plastic shims used for?A: Plastic shims are used for leveling and stabilizing objects, reducing wobble and movement. They are commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and other trades.
Q: What are the benefits of using plastic shims?A: Plastic shims are durable, versatile, and easy to use. They are also resistant to water and rot, making them a popular choice for outdoor applications.
Q: What is the difference between stacked shims and sheet shims?A: Stacked shims are individual shims that are stacked on top of each other to achieve the desired thickness. Sheet shims are a single sheet of material that can be cut to size.
Q: What are the applications of plastic shims?A: Plastic shims are used in a variety of applications, including construction, manufacturing, and more.
Q: Can I access your website from any device?A: Yes! Our website is optimized for access from any device, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Q: Do you have a server that hosts your website?A: Yes! Our website is hosted on a secure server to ensure fast and reliable access.
Q: What is the name of your server?A: Our server is hosted by [Server Name].
Q: Do you have an edgesuite?A: Yes! Our website is optimized for edgesuite to ensure fast and reliable access.
Q: What are the answers to frequently asked questions about plastic shims?A: Check out our FAQ section to learn more about plastic shims and how they can be used in your application.
Q: Do you offer stacked shims?A: Yes! We offer stacked shims in a variety of materials and thicknesses.
Q: What are the trades that use plastic shims?A: Plastic shims are commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and other trades.
Q: Do you offer shipping on all of your products?A: Yes! We offer shipping on all of our products, including custom shims.
Q: What are the applications of plastic shims?A: Plastic shims are used in a variety of applications, including construction, manufacturing, and more.
Q: Can I access your website from any device?A: Yes! Our website is optimized for access from any device, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Q: Do you have a stock of plastic shims?A: Yes! We have a stock of plastic shims in a variety of materials and thicknesses.
Q: Do you have a stock of plastic shims?A: Yes!
Leveling shims are a small but vital part of any builder, homeowner or DIYer’s toolkit when it comes to construction or home improvement. They ensure that installations are plumb, level and stable, making the whole work better and durable. By knowing the types of shims and how to choose and apply them correctly, you can solve various leveling problems in construction projects, save time, more payment options and shoppay buy and get better results. Whether you’re leveling a new door, stabilizing a table or installing custom furniture, the right shim will make all the difference.
Oops, something went wrong. Please try again.
You are now logged in!
