Types of steel shims
Also known as metal shims, steel shims are designed to fill the gaps between two objects, helping to align, level and position materials. These are used across all industries, including the construction and automotive industries where the need for a strong, durable and versatile shim is required.
At Speedy Fixings, we stock a variety of packers and shims, including metal shims that vary in material and shape. Each type of metal shim is best suited for a specific purpose. So, what are the different types of steel shims?
By material.
Metal shims can be constructed from a variety of metals, from mild steel to stainless steel. Due to the variety of metal shim materials, metal shims can adapt to and suit a variety of environments.
Mild steel shims.
Mild steel is a type of low carbon steel that has great weldability and ductility, high tensile strength and high impact strength. Our mild steel shims come in various sizes, including 50mm x 50mm x 1mm Mild Steel Square Packer and 100mm x 100mm x 1mm Mild Steel Square Packer.
Pre-galvanised steel shims.
These steel shims are cut from pre-galvanised sheets. The process of pre-galvanised involves dipping the steel sheets into a hot zinc liquid bath before being cut to size. Some of our pre-galvanised steel shims include 100mm x 50mm x 1mm Pre-Galvanised Rectangular Horseshoe Packer and 100mm x 100mm x 1mm Pre-Galvanised Mild Steel Square Packer.
Galvanised steel shims.
Galvanised steel has been coated with zinc to protect and prevent rusting. Galvanised steel can be used in high temperature applications up to 200°C. We supply 50mm x 50mm x 10mm Galvanised Steel Square Horseshoe Packers and 75mm x 75mm x 10mm Galvanised Steel Square Horseshoe Packers.
To note: Any galvanised shim that is not cut from pre-galvanised steel sheet will be spun galvanised. This will apply to our stock range of 10mm galvanised shims and any ‘specials’ that we make in steel with a minimum thickness of 6mm.
Stainless steel shim.
Stainless steel can also be used in high-temperature applications. We stock metal shims in stainless steel 304-A2 steel, which offers a good level of corrosion resistance, high chemical resistance, resistance to oxidation and excellent durability. This includes 304-A2 Stainless Steel Square Horseshoe Packers and 50mm x 50mm x 1mm Stainless Steel Square Packer.
By shape.
Square metal shim.
Square-shaped shims can be used to fill gaps in scaffolding and other structures, offering extra support and levelling surfaces. We stock a variety of square metal shims, including 50mm x 50mm x 10mm Mild Steel Square Packer and 100mm x 100mm x 20mm Stainless Steel Square Packer.
Horseshoe metal shim.
As the name suggests, horseshoe shims feature a horseshoe shape that allows them to be used around protruding rebar when necessary. We stock 50mm x 50mm x 1mm Pre-Galvanised Steel Square Horseshoe Packer and a variety of other horseshoe packers.
Rectangular metal shim.
Rectangular shims feature a longer body than square shims. These are available as rectangular horseshoe shims, from Spun Galvanised Rectangular Horseshoe Packers to Pre Galvanised Rectangular Horseshoe Packers.
Perhaps you are searching for custom metal shims. If this is the case, our team can manufacture bespoke custom shims to your shape, material and size specifications. Contact us today for more information about our steel packers. We can be easily reached via phone at 01206 793100 or by email at [email protected].