How to find the right Hardware Spacers AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Hardware Spacers
- Inner diameter clearance
- Choose an inner diameter slightly larger than the bolt, about 0.1–0.3 mm over nominal (for example around 3.2 mm for M3). A tighter bore than that will bind. Too tight and the bolt binds; too loose and the stack shifts off-center.
- Outer diameter vs bearing surface
- The outer diameter must fit the available pad or keep-out area and still bear fully on the clamped surfaces. An oversized spacer can hit nearby components, and an undersized one can crush soft material.
- Length tolerance
- When the gap is critical, choose spacers sold with a stated length tolerance. Stacked or paired spacers that vary in length tilt boards and panels.
- Material
- Use aluminum or stainless for structural compression loads, nylon for insulation or anti-rattle, and brass where a conductive path is needed. The spacer carries the full bolt clamping force, so a soft material deforms.
- Spacer vs washer vs bushing
- Spacers are long sleeves that set a gap. Washers are thin and spread load. Bushings are for rotating or sliding fits. Shoppers often buy the wrong part when searching for a gap-setting sleeve.
Brands that matter
- Keystone Electronics: Round and hex unthreaded spacers in many lengths and materials.
- Bivar: Nylon spacers, including LED-height spacers.
- Essentra Components: Nylon and plastic round spacers and PCB supports.
- RAF Electronic Hardware: Metal and nylon round spacers in inch and metric sizes.
What to avoid
- Listings that give only outer diameter and length, without inner diameter.
- Nylon spacers for structural mounts under high clamp loads.
- Mixed-length bargain assortments where the gap must be exact.
Questions
Can I use a stack of washers instead of a spacer?
Only for small gaps. A stack of washers adds tolerance with every piece and can shift, while a single spacer gives one rigid, accurate length.