Best Steel Shims & Shim Stock AI pick

Chosen by an AI model from its trained knowledge, with its reasoning.

AI pick (line): Precision Brand Steel Shim Stock

Precision Brand is the long-standing machinist standard for shim stock, with consistent thickness across rolls, flat sheets and assortments.

Not for: Anyone shimming furniture, doors or appliances, where cheap plastic or wood shims are adequate and easier to cut.

Starrett Shim Stock (line)

Starrett shim stock in multi-thickness packs gives machinists and mechanics a calibrated set on hand.

Not for: Anyone who needs bulk rolls of a single thickness.

Thickness tolerance: The stated thickness should carry a tolerance. For machine alignment, buy known-brand stock and mic it before use. A shim is useless if its thickness isn't what the label says.
Material: Use 1008/1010 carbon steel for general use, 302/304 stainless for corrosion resistance or wet areas, and spring or blue-tempered steel where the shim must not take a set. The material determines rust behaviour and whether the shim crushes or springs back.
Form: Choose rolls or sheets to cut custom shapes, and pre-slotted or pre-cut shims for motor and machine-base alignment. Pre-cut slotted shims slip under mounted feet without removing the bolts.

Precision Brand: Broad range of steel, stainless and brass shim stock and pre-cut shims.
Starrett: Shim stock and assortments from a precision tool maker.