Shim (spacer)

A shim is a thin piece of material, often tapered or wedge shaped, that is used to fill small gaps or spaces between objects. Shims are placed to support a part, to adjust it so that it fits better, or to provide a level surface where the pieces on either side do not quite meet. They may also be used as spacers, filling the gap between parts that are subject to wear. The product is defined by its role rather than by one material or one shape: what makes something a shim is that it is a small, thin addition that closes or adjusts a space. This atlas places it among industrial components, as a basic hardware item used wherever parts have to be aligned or spaced precisely.