Steel shim material is a versatile must-have for DIYers, engineers, and repair enthusiasts alike. Known for its strength, precision, and corrosion resistance, steel shims are ideal for leveling, aligning, and spacing in countless projects. With a range of thicknesses and types, this essential material ensures reliable results, making it a smart investment for anyone seeking durability and efficiency in their work.
Comparing Steel Shim Material Types and Applications
| Shim Type | Common Steel Types | Typical Thickness Range | Corrosion Resistance | Applications | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Carbon Steel | A36, 1018, 1008, 1075, 1095 | 0.001″–1″ (0.025-25mm) | Low unless coated | Indoor structural, machinery | Cost-effective, strong |
| Galvanized Steel | A36, GR-50, others | 0.01″–1″ | Moderate | Exterior, humidity-prone areas | Resists rust |
| Stainless Steel | 301, 302, 304, 316, 321 | 0.001″–0.5″ | High | Harsh/corrosive environments | Excellent durability |
| Laminated/Peelable Steel | Various | Custom (multi-layered) | Varies by material | Precise adjustments | Adjustable, on-site tuning |
Types of Steel Shim Material
1. Plain Carbon Steel Shim
Overview:
Plain carbon steel is the most common and budget-friendly shim material. It offers high compressive strength and is ideal for interior or dry environments where corrosion isn’t a concern.
Grades Used:
– A36
– 1008, 1010, 1018 (low carbon)
– 1075, 1095 (higher carbon, springier properties)
Applications:
– Structural steel assemblies
– Machine frame leveling
– General industrial use
Pros:
– Economical
– Readily available
– High strength for most indoor/static uses
Cons:
– Prone to rust if exposed to moisture
– Not suitable for chemical or outdoor environments unless coated
2. Galvanized Steel Shim
Overview:
Galvanized shims are coated with zinc to resist corrosion, making them suitable for exterior or damp locations.
Types:
– Hot-Dip Galvanized: Full coverage, ideal for outdoor/continuous moisture exposure.
– Mill Galvanized: Surface-only—edges may not be protected post-cutting.
Applications:
– Lintels
– Relieving angles
– Building exteriors, moist areas
Pros:
– Moderately priced
– Good weather resistance
– Widely used in construction
Cons:
– Mill galvanized can leave unprotected edges
– Not as robust as stainless in very aggressive environments
3. Stainless Steel Shim
Overview:
Stainless steel shims excel where strength, longevity, and resistance to chemicals, saltwater, or industrial gases are vital.
Popular Grades:
– 301, 302: General high-strength applications
– 304: Most popular for corrosion and heat resistance
– 316: Best for marine, chemical, or extreme environments
– 410: Higher hardness but lower corrosion resistance
Applications:
– Food processing plants
– Marine environments
– Heavy industry, exhaust-exposed parts
Pros:
– Superior corrosion resistance
– Maintains integrity in harsh conditions
– Long-lasting, low maintenance
Cons:
– More expensive
– Slightly harder to cut/fabricate
4. Laminated/Peelable Steel Shim
Overview:
Composed of thin layers bonded together, peelable shims allow precise, on-site adjustment by removing layers to achieve correct thickness.
Applications:
– Precision machinery
– Tool and die sets
– Laser systems
Pros:
– Enables rapid, precise adjustment
– Reduces downtime for critical alignments
Cons:
– Slightly higher cost
– Limited to specialty uses
Comfort, Handling & Care of Steel Shim Material
Comfort and Handling
Although “comfort” typically refers to wearable goods, with shim materials, it translates to ease of handling and installation. Steel shims are rigid by nature and require appropriate tools—aviation snips, shears, or punches—for sizing and fitting. Naturally, edges may be sharp, so cut-resistant gloves are highly recommended when working with any steel shim sheet or strip.
Storage and Maintenance
- Carbon Steel Shim: Store in dry, humidity-controlled spaces to avoid rust. For short-term storage, apply light oil or corrosion inhibitor.
- Galvanized Steel Shim: More forgiving, but still avoid standing water and high-humidity storage.
- Stainless Steel Shim: Highly resistant, but keep debris and corrosive chemicals away to prevent surface contamination.
- Laminated/Peelable Shims: Store flat to avoid delamination or bending. Protect edges to maintain integrity.
How to Choose Steel Shim Material for Different Uses
Choosing Shim Material by Application
- Structural Building & Construction
- Indoors: Use plain carbon steel for low cost and high strength.
-
Outdoors: Use hot-dip galvanized steel for weather protection, or stainless steel where maximum corrosion resistance is needed.
-
Industrial Machinery Alignment
- Carbon steel is suitable for most indoor environments.
- Choose stainless steel if exposure to lubricants, coolant, or humid air may cause rust.
-
When fine-tuning is critical, select laminated or peelable shims for micro-adjustments.
-
Food Processing, Pharmaceuticals, and High-Sanitation Areas
-
Use 304 or 316 stainless steel to prevent bacterial growth and withstand cleaning chemicals.
-
Marine, Chemical Plants, & Corrosive Locations
-
Opt for 316 stainless steel shims, as they provide superior resistance to harsh chemicals and saltwater.
-
Precision Engineering & Tooling
- Laminated/peelable shims are ideal for making ultra-fine adjustments quickly on-site without the need to cut or order new stock.
Thickness and Size Considerations
- Standard Thickness: Shim material is available from ultra-thin foil (0.0005″) to plates over an inch thick. Select thickness that prevents deformation under load but fits the gap precisely.
- Sheet, Roll, or Pre-cut: Select rolls for bulk/frequent use needing repeated trimming; choose pre-cut or custom shapes for fast installation or tight tolerances.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Always Match Environment: The biggest determinant for steel shim longevity is matching material grade to the working environment.
- Edge Awareness: When cutting from a larger piece, be mindful that mill or surface coatings may not protect new edges—touch up or choose an appropriate grade accordingly.
- Label Your Stock: Store and label different materials clearly to prevent mixing—carbon, galvanized, and stainless can look similar but perform differently.
- Use Gloves: Edges are sharp; always handle with gloves to avoid injury.
- Custom Dimensions: Many suppliers can laser-cut or punch shims in custom shapes, holes, and sizes for your specific project.
- Keep Records: For critical applications, keep records of material specifications, especially where building codes or engineering standards apply.
- Inspect Regularly: In permanent or semi-permanent installations, schedule periodic inspections to detect corrosion or deformation early.
- Consult the Spec Sheet: If supplied, review mechanical and chemical specifications to ensure compatibility with your intended use.
Technical Comparison Table: Steel Shim Material Specifications
| Material Type | Common Thicknesses | Compressive Strength* | Maximum Temp. | Corrosion Resistance | Weldable | Typical Standard Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A36 Carbon Steel | 0.001″–1″ (0.025–25mm) | ~22,000 psi | 650°F (343°C) | Low unless treated | Yes | 6×12″, 12×12″, 6×100″ (rolls) |
| HDG Steel | 0.01″–1″ | ~22,000 psi | 392°F (200°C) | Moderate | Yes | Similar to above |
| 304 Stainless Steel | 0.001″–0.5″ | ~30,000 psi | 1,400°F (760°C) | High | Yes | Sheets, strips, rolls |
| 316 Stainless Steel | 0.001″–0.5″ | ~30,000 psi | 1,500°F (815°C) | Very High | Yes | Sheets, strips, rolls |
| 1075 Spring Steel | 0.001″–0.25″ | Up to ~250,000 psi | 400°F (204°C) | Low/mod once plated | Difficult | Sheets, strips, rolls |
| Laminated Steel | Custom | Based on constituent | Varies | Varies | Varies | Custom shapes/sizes |
* Compressive strength is “to permanent deflection”—failure typically means flattening, not fracture.
Related Video
Conclusion
Selecting the right steel shim material isn’t just about filling a space—it’s about ensuring strength, longevity, safety, and cost-effectiveness in your application. Whether you’re aligning architectural steel, fine-tuning precision tools, or braving harsh industrial environments, steel shims in carbon, galvanized, stainless, or laminated variations offer custom-fit solutions for any structural gap or adjustment.
Careful material selection prevents unnecessary early failure, excessive costs, or safety issues. Assess your environment, load requirements, and adjustment needs to pick the ideal shim type and grade. Always prioritize safety when handling, install diligently, and track your specifications for reference.
FAQ
What is steel shim material used for?
Steel shim material is used to fill gaps, align components, or provide precise spacing in structural, mechanical, and industrial applications. They ensure correct alignment, support, and load distribution.
Which type of steel is best for outdoor or wet environments?
For outdoor or wet conditions, hot-dip galvanized steel or stainless steel (preferably grades 304 or 316) are best. Galvanized steel offers moderate rust resistance, while stainless excels in harsh, corrosive, or marine settings.
Can I use plain carbon steel shims outdoors?
Plain carbon steel is not recommended for outdoor use, as it will rust and deteriorate without protection. Use galvanized or stainless steel shims for exterior or high-humidity environments.
What is the difference between hot-dip and mill galvanized shims?
Hot-dip galvanized shims are immersed in molten zinc after fabrication, protecting all surfaces and edges. Mill galvanized shims have a zinc coating applied to the sheet—cut edges are not protected, which can lead to rust at those points.
Are stainless steel shims more expensive?
Yes, stainless steel shims are generally more expensive than carbon or galvanized steel, but they offer much higher corrosion resistance and lifespan, often justifying the cost in demanding applications.
What is a laminated or peelable shim?
A laminated or peelable shim is composed of thin, bonded layers. You can peel away layers to customize the thickness on-site, making them ideal for precision adjustments in machinery or tooling.
How do I safely cut or size steel shim material?
Use appropriate metal shears, snips, or cutting tools. Always wear gloves and eye protection, as shim edges can be sharp. For frequent or precise cuts, consider having shims custom-cut by your supplier.
What thickness of shim should I choose?
Select the minimum thickness that provides the required support and fits snugly in the gap without buckling. Common thicknesses range from 0.001″ (foil) up to 1″ (plate), depending on the application.
Will using too thick a shim cause problems?
Yes, using a shim that’s too thick can misalign connected parts, introduce stress, or prevent correct fastening. Measure the gap accurately and use the thinnest shim that achieves the fit.
How should I store unused steel shim material?
Keep shims in a dry, clean, and organized location. Carbon steel shims in particular should be stored with a light oil or wrapped to prevent rust. Stainless and galvanized shims are more forgiving but should still be kept free from contaminants and scratches.
With these detailed comparisons, tips, and explanations, you’re now equipped to choose the ideal steel shim material for any home, workshop, or commercial project.