At DeFusco Industrial Supply, we are always seeking to add to our inventory so our customers can have more options when it comes to shims. We now carry NSI Solution Twist Shims, as well as horseshoe shims. The horseshoe shims are commonly used during the installation of granite, marble, and natural stone counter tops in order to produce a level surface with properly aligned joints. The horseshoe shims that we carry are made in America out of high quality plastic to ensure that they are always solid, without any hollow spaces, allowing for maximum weight tolerance. Horseshoe shims are available in multiple sizes and lengths that are color-coded for fast selection.
The term “shim” most often refers to a small thin wedge shaped or tempered pieced of material that is used to provide support, fill gaps, and create a level surface. Shims are probably the most basic, yet essential tools used by everyone from the first time home do-it-yourselfer to the professional carpenter. Their simple design makes them easy to use, requiring nothing more than the tap of a hammer, making using shims easy to master by the most inexperienced person. With their low cost and simplicity, shims are very economical and efficient tools.
Made for a wide range of varying application, shims are made out of many different materials such as wood, plastic, metal, paper, and stone. While laying pipe, plumbers will use all types of shims to keep pipes in line. Where in carpentry, carpenters most often use shims made of wood or paper while installing doorjambs, mounting windows, installing cabinets, aligning stairs, or leveling floors. During masonry jobs, Masons use metal and plastic shims for their added strength for supporting the heavy weight of stone slabs. If the shims will be visible when the project is completed, Masons will use small pebbles of stones to fill gaps between large bricks or stone slabs.
Shims are very cheep, so keeping a selection of different sizes on hand is always a good idea, in case your next project should require them. Determining whether or not you project requires shims is an easy task. Simply place a level on top of the material you are installing. First check the level from left to right and then check the level from the front to back. If either reading comes out unleveled, you’re going to need to use shims.
When checking the level of your surface, if the bubble is off to the left, you will need to install your shim on the right and if the bubble is off to the right, you will have to install your shim on the left. Lift your material slightly so you can slide your shim in, if the material you’re installing is heavy, just get the tip of the shim in and tap it with a hammer. Continue tapping with a hammer until your surface is level; constantly checking measurements, front to back and left to right, until both directions are level.
