Since they are used in many different ways, there are many types of shims. The most common include the following: Taking the squeaks out of interior flooring by inserting the shims between subflooring and joists from below Second, choose the proper material. If you’re installing a shim that may be exposed to water often or supporting something heavy, don’t use a wooden shim. Instead, use a plastic one, which will hold up better over time. You don't have permission to access "http://www.homedepot.com/p/8-in-Wood-Shims-12-Piece-per-Bundle-WSSHW08/300723328" on this server. Next, consider the pressure the shim will be under. If you’re using it for things like stone countertops, bathtubs, or other heavy objects, the fibers of a wooden shim may break down over time. In this case, a plastic or metal shim would be the better choice.

You may have come across a few of these thinly sliced wedges among the tools in your garage. While they may appear to be scraps from past projects, shims are an important element for a variety of DIY fixes and fittings. Keep reading to learn more about how to use a shim from the home repair and maintenance experts at Mr. Handyman. Types of Shims Plastic shims are more expensive than wood, and cannot be welded like metal, which can make them the wrong fit depending on the application’s requirements. However, plastic’s physical properties make these shims the product of choice where fast-paced construction is desired. That’s where your local Mr. Handyman can help. Give us a call to learn more about our homeowner and commercial services or to find your local Mr. Handyman.What are shims used for? There are many different reasons and uses for a shim, including a variety of Mr. Handyman’s services! A short list includes the following: Understanding the role of the shim allows you to choose the best material and shape for your application. When used as temporary alignment aids, shims need to meet basic requirements for size, strength, and ease of use. For permanent use, shims are subject to more extensive requirements to ensure the continued performance of materials they support and separate. Although small, shims play an important part in a construction project’s success. Despite the best measurements and care, once a door or window is put into place, it’s unlikely to be perfectly square. This is especially true when dealing with an older home. Rather than agonizing over cutting a new frame or trying to nail in an absolutely precise opening, shims are used to make the final tweaks, so everything fits perfectly. Wooden shims are a great way to bridge the gaps when installing trim, doors, windows, or cabinetry projects. They also help to level floors, tables, or chairs. Plastic shims work great for toilets, bathrooms, subfloors, or exterior elements.

The first step in choosing the right shim is understanding what you’re using it for. The shim you choose for trim work will differ from the one you use for a bathtub installation. Shims must always be fixed in place. Shims that are not fastened may eventually drop out of the materials, leaving the materials unsupported. If using wood shims, lightly score the wood with your utility knife as close as possible to the workpiece. Bend the shim at the scored line to snap it off. Alternatively, you can cut off the shim with a multi-tool. Shims are imperative when it comes to adjusting the final fittings of windows, doors, cabinets, and more. Once the door or window is plumb and level, drive a nail or screw from the casing, directly through the shims and into the framing to secure it. Once the window or door is firmly seated and nailed, use a utility knife to score the excess shim length and break it off. Advantages of Using ShimsThird, always be sure to secure your shim. Unsecured shims can slip or drop from their position, putting your materials at risk. Alternative Uses for Shims Plain and simple, a shim is a tapered wedge used for making slight adjustments to home elements, such as door frames and windows, to make them plumb (perfectly vertical) and level. A shim will fill the space between two surfaces and ensure that they are connected. If you need to cut the plastic shim at a point other than a score line, a multi-tool can be used to trim off a plastic shim. If you have to decide between a score line that's too far inward or too far outward, it's usually best to snap off the shim at the inward point. Wood is the most common material for a shim. They are often cut from cedar or pine and well-suited for almost any interior adjustment. Plastic shims are another popular choice, given that they are water and rot-resistant, making them ideal for plumbing or exterior adjustments. How to Choose the Right Shim A well-placed shim can pull a canted (misaligned) door frame to plumb and level as it should be. It’s also a fairly easy DIY task. Tapping in a shim is far less daunting than installing a new window or toilet. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Shims

However, wood shims are not ideal for jobs that may be exposed to water, inclement weather, or excess heat. They absorb water, which can cause them to warp and rot. And, of course, wood is flammable, so they should not be used where they could catch a spark. Metal Shims While installing a shim is a fairly easy project, there are some mistakes to watch out for. First, make sure that you’re pushing it in just far enough. It needs to be placed in the correct position to do its job. The shim should be held firmly in place by the weight of the object. If it’s loose and moves during the final installation, it could make whatever you’re trying to plumb uneven or misaligned. Now that you know what a shim is and how to use one, you’re ready for your next DIY project! While using a shim is less daunting than installing a whole new door, you may not have the time, energy, or desire to do it yourself. Our friendly customer service team will be happy to schedule an appointment for one of our qualified service professionals to come out and give you an estimate for your home project. One of the best parts about hiring Mr. Handyman is our Done Right Promise ™! We promise that every job will be done to your satisfaction!

Advantages of Using Shims