Best Shim Stock for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: January 8th, 2024
Last Updated: March 17th, 2024

🛠️Shim stock might not be the most glamorous part of a project, but it's definitely one of the most essential. You’ll find it in all kinds of places, from industrial machinery to weekend DIY projects. It helps make precise adjustments, fills gaps, and ensures everything lines up just right.

With so many options out there, choosing the right shim stock can get overwhelming. That’s where we come in. We've scoured the market to bring you the best shim stocks for 2024 that cater to different needs and budgets.

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Overall Best: Stainless Steel Shim Stock

Our top overall choice is the Stainless Steel Shim Stock, renowned for its outstanding durability and corrosion resistance. Available in multiple thicknesses, this shim stock is incredibly versatile, suiting a broad range of applications from industrial machinery to challenging marine environments. Stainless steel's inherent strength ensures that it will provide reliable performance, even in the most demanding conditions. If you're looking for a robust, long-lasting option, stainless steel is an unbeatable choice.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$18.89 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Aluminum Shim Stock

Aluminum Shim Stock grabs our runner-up spot for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and high formability. This makes it ideal for applications where reducing weight is crucial, like in aerospace or automotive industries. Moreover, its corrosion resistance and ease of manipulation make it an excellent pick for electronic assemblies, precision machinery, and even marine applications. When weight considerations are paramount, aluminum shim stock is a dependable option.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$61.46 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Plastic Shim Stock

For those on a budget, the Plastic Shim Stock is a fantastic choice that does not skimp on performance. Offering remarkable flexibility and resistance to corrosion, plastic shims are perfect for lighter, low-load applications. They're easy to cut and shape, which allows for extensive customization. If you need precise adjustments and moisture resistance without breaking the bank, plastic shim stock is the way to go.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$45.07 at Amazon

Specific Pick: Brass Shim Stock

Brass Shim Stock is our pick for technical and electrical applications. Known for its excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, brass is non-magnetic and highly formable. This makes it perfect for use in precision instruments and electrical components where consistent performance is essential. For environments where both electrical conductivity and durability are key, brass shim stock excels.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$32.19 at Zoro

Specific Pick: Copper Shim Stock

If your project requires superior ductility and high conductivity, Copper Shim Stock is your best bet. Exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity coupled with outstanding ductility makes it ideal for electronic and thermal management applications. Its corrosion resistance ensures long-term reliability in a variety of environments. Copper shim stock is particularly advantageous in electronic setups and areas demanding efficient thermal management.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$31.99 at Amazon

Specific Pick: Cold-Rolled Steel Shim Stock

Precision Brand-16A2 PRECISION BRAND Shim Stock, Roll, Cold Low Steel, 0.0020 in

Cold-Rolled Steel Shim Stock stands out for its precision tolerances and smooth finish, making it excellent for high-precision applications. These characteristics are especially valuable in situations where surface quality and exact measurements are critical. Although pricier than hot-rolled alternatives, its enhanced precision and quality justify the expense in high-stakes environments.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$10.16 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Precision Brand Shim Stock Roll, 0.0020 in? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What material is the Precision Brand-16A2 shim stock made from?
The Precision Brand-16A2 Shim Stock is made from cold rolled, low carbon 1008-1010 steel. This choice gives it great precision and stability, which is perfect for industrial jobs where you need things to be just right and sturdy. It's got a thickness of 0.0020 inches, which makes it great for things like setting up tools and dies, machine assembly, and aligning parts where every tiny adjustment matters. The manufacturer mentions that this type of steel is low-carbon, meaning it's strong but still flexible enough not to crack easily under stress. That's super handy whether you're working on prototypes or full-on production setups. From our research, it seems folks in the industry really like this shim stock. They find it versatile and easy to use for machinery and construction tasks. It's appreciated for being easy to punch or shear with little to no distortion, helpful when you need to make precise changes on the fly. But just a heads up, since it's pretty thin, you might need to layer it up if you're working on a project that needs extra support. When it comes to feedback, the shim stock does really well, with about 86% of reviewers giving it five stars. People often mention its precision and affordability compared to other options. Just be sure the 0.0020-inch thickness fits your specific needs, as some projects might require layering or adjustments for the right thickness or support. All in all, it's a solid pick if you're after reliable and cost-effective shim stock for precise industrial work.
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