Industrial & Scientific

The Best Notched Shims

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, Amazon customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Notched shims are essential for achieving precise leveling and support in various construction and DIY projects. Their unique design allows for easy adjustment and secure fitting around pipes, wires, or other obstructions. Selecting the right shim ensures stability, prevents damage, and contributes to a professional finish.

No. 2
1008/1010 Carbon Steel Notched Shim Assortment, Matte Finish, Hard Temper, AISI 1008/AISI 1010, Varying...
  • 1008/1010 carbon steel round shim provides good strength
  • Matte finish provides a surface that reflects minimal light and has a dull appearance
  • Standard tolerance
No. 3
Nelson Wood Shims CSH8/56/120/Mgd 8'' Bulk Contractor Shims
  • "NELSON WOOD SHIMS" CEDAR SHIMS
  • Wood Shims.
  • Excellent snap.
  • 8"Length x 1.5"Width shim.
SaleNo. 4
Nelson Wood Shims - 16-Inch Cedar Wood Shims for Leveling - 42 Pack Wedges for Toilets, Tables, Doors...
  • 🪵Get 16 inch of kiln-dried Nelson Wood perfect for doors, windows, cabinets, & stair wedges shims for leveling outdoor. Trusted by professional & DIY enthusiast for clean and accurate adjustments in any home improvement project.
  • 💪 Made from genuine cedar wood, Nelson shims offer natural resistance to moisture, rot, and insects—making them ideal for long-lasting, stable installations in any environment.
  • 📏Each wooden shims measures approximately 16 inches long and is crafted from high-quality kiln-dried wood for durability, easy trimming, and resistance to warping or splitting.
  • 🛠️Use these shims to align door frames, level windows, stabilize furniture, or fill flat shims gaps in flooring. A must-have for contractors, carpenters, and homeowners tackling renovation tasks.
No. 5
1008/1010 Carbon Steel Notched Shim, Matte Finish, Hard Temper, AISI 1008/AISI 1010, 0.125" Thickness...
  • 1008/1010 carbon steel notched shim provides good strength
  • Notched shim fits on a keyed shaft to lock it into place
  • Matte finish provides a surface that reflects minimal light and has a dull appearance
  • Standard tolerance
No. 6
Nelson Wood SHIMS PSH8/12/65 12PK 8" Wood Shim, 8 Inch, No Color
  • NELSON WOOD SHIMS PSH8/12/65 12PK 8" Wood Shim, 8 Inch, No Color
No. 7
Composite Shims & Wedges for Leveling – Waterproof (24 Pack) 8-Inch Heavy Duty Durable Wood & Plastic Shims...
  • 🧰 24 Waterproof Composite Plastic Shims – Stronger & Smarter Leveling: 24 premium 8-inch composite shims made from a mix of plastic & wood fiber. Engineered for indoor & outdoor leveling, they offer superior strength, clean snapping & are waterproof
  • 📐 Dual-Sided 1/8" Score Lines for Precision & Efficiency: Our shims feature score lines on both sides, allowing for accurate measurements & consistent breaks. Save time & reduce waste with shims that snap exactly where you need them.
  • 🌧️ Waterproof, Rot-Proof & Termite-Resistant for Harsh Environments: Built to thrive in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, basements & outdoor decks. These shims are waterproof, won’t rot or warp & are ideal for regions with termite concerns.
  • ♻️ Eco-Friendly Strength & Sustainability: Made from a recycled mix of plastic & wood flour, these shims offer the perfect balance of rigidity & flexibility. They won’t bend like pure plastic or splinter like wood, ensuring a clean break every time.
No. 8
1008/1010 Carbon Steel Notched Shim, Matte Finish, Hard Temper, AISI 1008/AISI 1010, 0.020" Thickness, 1" ID...
  • 1008/1010 carbon steel notched shim provides good strength
  • Notched shim fits on a keyed shaft to lock it into place
  • Matte finish provides a surface that reflects minimal light and has a dull appearance
  • Standard tolerance
No. 9
Nelson Wood Shims - DIY Wood Shims 8-Inch Shims, High Performance Natural Wood, 100% Kiln Dried - 1 Pack...
  • MANY USES: Our wood wedge shims can be used for leveling, labeling, repairing the following: appliances, doors, toilets, tables, cabinets, joists, floors, stairs, and more.
  • TRUSTED and RELIABLE: Most recognizable wooden shim on the market among DIY'ers today, Top pick for both many homowners and home developers, high quality shims for a value price.
  • 100% KILN DRIED: No molding or rotting. No shrinking either.
  • HIGH PERFORMANCE: Our 8" shims have thin feathered tips that make them flexible and easy to use. Our shims have a clean, consistent, dependable quality.
No. 10
Nelson Wood Shims, 8-Inch DIY Shims, 24-Pack
  • VERSATILE: Ideal for leveling, labeling, and repairing appliances, doors, toilets, tables, cabinets, joists, floors, stairs, and more.
  • TRUSTED QUALITY: The most recognizable wooden shim among DIY enthusiasts and home developers, known for high-quality performance at a value price.
  • KILN DRIED: Ensures dry strong wood without shrinking, providing long-lasting durability and reliability.
  • HIGH PERFORMANCE: 8-inch shims with thin feathered tips offer flexibility and ease of use, ensuring clean and consistent quality.

Last update on 2026-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Notched Shims

Material Matters

  • Plastic Shims: Lightweight, rot-resistant, and easy to cut or trim. They are ideal for interior applications and offer good water resistance.
  • Wood Shims: More traditional, offering a solid feel and can be easily nailed or screwed into place. They are suitable for a variety of tasks but can be susceptible to moisture and rot over time.

Size and Thickness

  • Consider the gap you need to fill. Shims come in various lengths and thicknesses, often with tapered edges.
  • Ensure the shim's dimensions are appropriate for the specific application to avoid over or under-support.

Notch Configuration

  • Examine the depth and spacing of the notches. Deeper or more frequent notches can offer finer adjustments.
  • The notch design should accommodate the specific elements (like pipes or conduits) you are working around to ensure a snug fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are notched shims used for?
Notched shims are primarily used to fill gaps and provide stable support in construction and renovation. They are particularly useful for leveling doors, windows, cabinets, and ensuring sturdy placement of fixtures where pipes or wires need to pass through.
Can notched shims be used outdoors?
While some materials like treated wood or durable plastics can be used outdoors, it's important to check the manufacturer's specifications. Plastic shims generally offer better resistance to moisture and rot compared to untreated wood.
How do I determine the right size shim?
Measure the gap you need to fill accurately. Consider both the width and depth of the opening. The shim should fit snugly without excessive force, and its tapered edge should allow for fine adjustments.
Are plastic or wood shims better?
The choice depends on the application. Plastic shims are lightweight, moisture-resistant, and easier to trim, making them great for many indoor uses. Wood shims offer a solid feel and are easy to fasten but can degrade with moisture.

How we compare Industrial & Scientific

1 Specifications: we compare the key features and specifications listed by the manufacturer and on Amazon.
2 Customer ratings: we take into account the average Amazon rating and the number of reviews.
3 Price: we check the current price and highlight notable deals.
4 Updates: comparisons are refreshed regularly as prices and availability change.

Our comparisons are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect the latest products and prices.

Was this article helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Thanks — we'll work to improve this article.