Washers & Shims
Millimetres are set with washers and shims — the small parts that give an assembly its exact heights, gaps and preloads.
What are washers & shims?
Washers spread load and set spacing under fasteners; shims are precision-thickness plates used to adjust heights, alignments and clearances; shaft collars clamp onto shafts to retain bearings, set positions and act as stops. All are standard, dimension-driven parts ordered by size and thickness.
Types of washers & shims
Plain & hardened washers
Load spreading and spacing under bolt heads.
Shim plates & shim stock
Ground thickness plates for height and alignment adjustment.
Shaft collars (set-screw / clamp)
Position stops and bearing retention on shafts.
Spacers & distance pieces
Tube and precision spacers for stack-ups.
How to select washers & shims
- Bore/OD and thickness (with tolerance where functional).
- Material and hardness — hardened where the joint is loaded.
- Shim thickness steps needed for the adjustment range.
- Collar style: set-screw is compact, clamp type protects the shaft.
Not sure? Send what you have — a part number, drawing or photo — and our engineering team will confirm the selection.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between set-screw and clamp shaft collars?
- A set-screw collar digs into the shaft — compact but marks it. A clamp collar grips by friction around the full circumference, holds better under shock, and can be repositioned without damaging the shaft.
Related components
Shoulder Bolts & Stripper Bolts
A shoulder bolt is a bearing surface, a guide and a fastener in one part — and in press tools, the stripper bolt version carries the stripper plate itself.
O-Rings & Seals
Every mould water line, cylinder and gearbox depends on seals. Standard O-ring sizes and the right elastomer keep them dry.
Linear Shafts
The shaft is half of every linear bushing system — its hardness, roundness and surface finish set the accuracy and life of the motion.
Need washers & shims?
Tell us the specification, quantity and application — or just send the drawing.