Metal Shims: Their Use in the Industry

Most consumers know shims to be made from solid polypropylene, and that they are ideal for window and door frame leveling, plus floor joist, wall and ceiling batten or joinery packing. What most consumers may not know is that these polypropylene shims have a metal counterpart for use in other industries. 

The metal shim, a close relative to the polypropylene, or plastic shim, is used for more industrial situations, such as its uses in the telecommunications industry. Much like installing doors joists or windows, flat plates used in monopole modifications require leveling to ensure proper completion, but a plastic shim will not be strong enough to withstand the requirements of the application.

The use of metal shims when blind bolting with flat plates during structural upgrades on cell towers is the most ideal solution compared to plastic shims. Metal shims are as easy to install as the plastic counterpart, and they are specifically designed for this industry. Typically, metal shims have high temperature and high corrosion resistance to help ensure the shims lasts as long as your tower.

For the telecommunications industry, and more specifically the cell tower modification division, metal shims are the ideal solution for leveling and spacing on structural upgrades.

Stock Up on Metal Shims

Allfasteners is the place for all things fastening for a reason. We stock fasteners, tools and supplies for a variety of industries, and this includes metal shims. 

The Allfasteners slotted metal shim introduces a streamlined solution for uneven flat plates on tower modifications. Made from A36 galvanized steel, AF metal shims have been specifically designed for the tower industry to ensure that flat plates are aligned. The consistent 1/16” thicknesses of these shims allow for easy leveling in an abundance of applications, and the break off slip allows the shims to be installed with a seamless look.

Allfasteners also carries a full range of polypropylene, or plastic, shims for the more traditional leveling or “filling the gaps” applications.

For More Information

For more information regarding the importance of metal shims throughout the industry, contact an Allfasteners representative. We have backgrounds in a multitude of industries, so the advice you get from us is through first-hand experience. Simply call 888.859.6060 or email us here for the industries top quality advice.