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Best Round Shims of 2026

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Brian Howie

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Round shims are versatile and essential tools used in a wide range of industries and applications. These small, circular pieces of material are designed to fill gaps and provide precise alignment between two objects. Made from various materials such as stainless steel, brass, or plastic, round shims offer excellent durability and corrosion resistance. They are commonly used in automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries to ensure proper alignment, prevent wear, and reduce noise and vibration. With their compact size and easy installation, round shims are a reliable solution for achieving accurate and precise alignment in countless applications.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Round Shims

#TOP 1

Steel Arbor Shim Assortment Kit by Small Parts

Steel Arbor Shim Assortment Kit by Small Parts Cover

Steel Arbor Shim Assortment Kit, Matte, Full Hard, AISI 1008-1010 For Chemistry, 5/8'' ID, 1'' OD (Pack of 19)

The Small Parts Shim Assortment is a versatile kit that includes various thicknesses ranging from 0.001" to 0.125". This assortment allows you to easily find the right shim for your keyed applications without the hassle of re-machining. Made from high-quality, low carbon steel, these shims are durable and reliable. The airtight packaging ensures that your shims remain in pristine condition, ready for use whenever you need them. With this kit, you can save time and effort while achieving precise adjustments in your projects.

9.9
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Variety of thicknesses available
  • High-quality steel material
  • Time-saving convenience
  • Airtight packaging
#TOP 2

Small Parts Steel Arbor Shim Assortment Kit

Small Parts Steel Arbor Shim Assortment Kit Cover

Steel Arbor Shim Assortment Kit, Matte, Full Hard, AISI 1008-1010 For Chemistry, 3/8'' ID, 5/8'' OD (Pack of 19)

The Small Parts Steel Shim Kit offers a variety of 19 different thicknesses, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your project without hassle. Made from high-quality, cold-rolled low carbon steel, these shims are durable and reliable for various applications. Since these shims have no keyways, they’re ideal for use in keyed setups where precise spacing is crucial. Using these shims saves you time by eliminating the need for re-machining parts, making your work more efficient and convenient. Plus, the kit comes sealed in an airtight poly bag, keeping your shims clean and ready for use whenever you need them.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Wide thickness variety
  • High-quality steel material
  • Designed for keyed applications
  • Time-saving over re-machining
  • Airtight packaging
#TOP 3

Small Parts Steel Round Shim 0.005" Matte

Small Parts Steel Round Shim 0.005" Matte Cover

Steel Round Shim, Matte Finish, Full Hard Temper, 0.005" Thickness, 1" ID, 1-1/2" OD (Pack of 10)

The Small Parts Steel Shim offers strong, reliable support for your projects with its durable steel construction. Its matte, unpolished surface means it comes with a natural finish, making it ideal for applications where a smooth or shiny surface isn’t necessary. The shim is made to standard tolerance, so you can expect consistent thickness and fit, helping you achieve precise adjustments. Plus, being made in the United States, it ensures quality manufacturing standards you can trust for your work.

9.6
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Strong steel construction
  • Matte unpolished surface
  • Standard thickness tolerance
  • Made in the USA
#TOP 4

Steel Shim Assortment Kit by Small Parts

Steel Shim Assortment Kit by Small Parts Cover

Steel Arbor Shim Assortment Kit, Matte, Full Hard, AISI 1008-1010 For Chemistry, 2'' ID, 2-3/4'' OD (Pack of 19)

The Small Parts Steel Shims offer a comprehensive assortment of thicknesses, ranging from 0.001" to 0.125". This variety allows you to select the perfect shim for your specific needs, saving you time and effort compared to re-machining. Made from high-quality, low carbon, cold rolled steel, these shims ensure durability and reliability in your projects. Additionally, their design as arbor spacers without keyways makes them ideal for a range of keyed applications. Packaged in an airtight poly bag, they stay protected until you need them, ensuring you have the right shim on hand whenever required.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Wide range of thicknesses
  • High-quality steel material
  • Time-saving convenience
  • Airtight packaging
#TOP 5

Small Parts Steel Shim, 0.010" Thickness

Small Parts Steel Shim, 0.010" Thickness Cover

Steel Round Shim, Matte Finish, Full Hard Temper, 0.010" Thickness, 1" ID, 1-1/2" OD (Pack of 10)

The Small Parts Steel Shim is crafted from high-quality, low carbon, cold rolled steel, ensuring durability and reliability. These shims are designed to save you time by eliminating the need for re-machining, allowing for quick and efficient adjustments in your projects. With precision thicknesses, you can achieve more accurate results, giving you confidence in your work. Additionally, the shims come packaged in an airtight poly bag, helping to maintain their quality and protect them from damage. This makes them a convenient choice for various applications.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • High-quality steel construction
  • Time-saving design
  • Precise thickness for accuracy
  • Airtight packaging
#TOP 6

Small Parts Steel Round Shim 0.020" Thick

Small Parts Steel Round Shim 0.020" Thick Cover

Steel Round Shim, Matte Finish, Full Hard Temper, 0.020" Thickness, 1-1/4" ID, 1-3/4" OD (Pack of 10)

The Small Parts Steel Round Shim is a strong and reliable choice for your projects. Made from steel, it offers excellent durability and strength to support various applications. The shim features a matte, unpolished surface, which means it has a natural finish without any extra coating, making it easy to work with and less slippery. With a thickness of 0.020 inches, this shim provides a precise fit to help you adjust spacing or alignment. Plus, it comes with a standard tolerance, ensuring consistent size and quality for your convenience. This product is proudly made in the United States, giving you confidence in its quality.

9.3
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Strong steel material
  • Matte unpolished surface
  • Precise 0.020" thickness
  • Standard size tolerance
  • Made in the USA
#TOP 7

Small Parts Plastic Round Shim Assortment

Small Parts Plastic Round Shim Assortment Cover

Plastic Round Shim Assortment, Assorted Thicknesses/Colors, 1/2" ID, 3/4" OD (Pack of 13)

The Small Parts Plastic Shim Set offers a handy collection of 13 shims in different thicknesses, ranging from very thin 0.001" to thicker 0.030". This variety lets you pick the perfect thickness for your project without hassle. Each shim is color-coded, so you can easily identify the size you need without using a micrometer, saving you time and reducing mistakes. Made from high-quality plastic, these shims are non-magnetic and won’t conduct electricity, making them safe to use around sensitive electronics. Plus, their corrosion-resistant material ensures they stay reliable and durable over time.

9.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Wide thickness range
  • Color-coded sizes
  • Non-magnetic material
  • Electrical insulation
  • Corrosion resistant
#TOP 8

Steel Arbor Shim Assortment Kit

Steel Arbor Shim Assortment Kit Cover

Steel Arbor Shim Assortment Kit, Matte, Full Hard, AISI 1008-1010 For Chemistry, 1'' ID, 1-1/2'' OD (Pack of 19)

The Small Parts Arbor Shim Kit is a versatile assortment of steel shims designed for keyed applications. Made of high-quality, low carbon, cold-rolled steel, these shims are available in 19 different thicknesses ranging from 0.001" to 0.125". With the Small Parts Arbor Shim Kit, you can easily adjust the spacing between components, saving time and eliminating the need for re-machining. The shims are packaged in an airtight poly bag, ensuring that they remain in optimal condition until you are ready to use them. Whether you are a professional or a DIY enthusiast, this kit is a must-have for any project that requires precision and flexibility.

9.1
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Versatile assortment
  • High-quality steel
  • Wide range of thicknesses
#TOP 9

Small Parts Steel Round Shim 0.031" Thick

Small Parts Steel Round Shim 0.031" Thick Cover

Steel Round Shim, Matte Finish, Full Hard Temper, 0.031" Thickness, 5/8" ID, 1" OD (Pack of 10)

The Small Parts Steel Shim offers reliable strength, making it a sturdy choice for various applications where durability is key. Its matte, unpolished surface means you get a natural finish without any extra coating, which can be ideal if you prefer a raw material look or need to avoid slippery surfaces. The shim comes with standard tolerance, ensuring it fits well within typical specifications for consistent performance. Plus, being made in the United States gives you confidence in its quality and manufacturing standards. This shim is a practical option if you want a dependable, no-frills steel shim for your projects.

9.1
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Strong steel construction
  • Matte, unpolished surface
  • Standard size tolerance
  • Made in the USA
#TOP 10

Precision Brand PB-25132 Steel Shim .015 Inch

Precision Brand PB-25132 Steel Shim .015 Inch Cover

Precision Brand PB-25132 Round Shim .015 Inch Thick x 1/2 Inch I.D. x 3/4 Inch O.D., 1010 Hard Steel

The Precision Brand Steel Shim is a reliable tool made in the United States, ensuring high manufacturing standards and quality. This shim is crafted from 1010 hard steel, providing strong durability and resistance to wear, which is perfect for maintaining precise spacing in your projects. With a thickness of .015 inches, it offers fine adjustments to help you achieve exact measurements. The inner diameter of 1/2 inch and outer diameter of 3/4 inch make it suitable for various fitting applications. Using the Precision Brand Steel Shim allows you to make small, accurate adjustments that improve the performance and longevity of your mechanical assemblies.

9.0
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Made in USA
  • Durable 1010 hard steel
  • Precise .015-inch thickness
  • Standard size dimensions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are ring shims used for?

Ring shims are used in shim stacks to achieve preload. They are paired with a thinner centering shim to maintain their position. The difference in thickness between the ring shim and the centering shim determines the amount of preload in the stack.

2. What are arbor shims used for?

Arbor shims are used for precise spacing in machinery such as milling cutters, saws, and grinding tools. They help ensure accurate alignment and performance of the machinery.

3. What are the different types of shims?

There are various types of shims, including arbor shims, variable shims, slotted shims, shim rings, and shim stock. Each type serves a specific purpose and offers unique advantages for different applications. They are all used to compensate for tolerances and achieve proper fit and alignment.

4. What are the benefits of shims?

Shims provide several benefits, such as filling gaps or spaces between objects, supporting and adjusting for a better fit, and providing a level surface. They are commonly used to ensure proper alignment, compensate for tolerances, and improve the performance of various components and machinery.

5. How do I know what size shims I need?

To determine the size of shims needed, you can use the equation: New shim size = (measured valve clearance – specified valve clearance) + old shim size. This calculation helps determine the appropriate shim size for achieving the desired clearance.

6. Are plastic shims better than wood?

Plastic shims have advantages over wood shims. They require less shaping, are available in consistent shapes and thicknesses, and have consistent material properties. Plastic shims are also stronger, more durable, lighter, and more cost-effective compared to wood shims.

Editor's Notes

During our round shim research, we found 24 round shim products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,000 customer reviews through our big data system to write the round shims list. We found that most customers choose round shims with an average price of $15.72.

The round shims are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of round shims, including Small Parts, Precision Brand. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 247 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by

Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.