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Shims are simple objects used to bring other objects to the desired level. They are used in carpentry, construction, plumbing, engines, and even sport fencing. Shims can be made from various materials and have taken on new and slang meanings.
The term shim has taken on several meanings. From the rectangular wedge shims used behind hinges in construction to the round shims that adjust the depth of the pinion, these simple devices can be found almost everywhere and come in numerous shapes and sizes. Typically, a shim can be described as a simple object placed between other objects to bring the objects to the desired level. Using this definition as a guide, we can now look at more specific examples of thicknesses in the everyday world.
Shims play a significant role in carpentry and construction. They are most often used when one piece of lumber needs to line up with another, in which case the shim is placed both in a gap and against the piece to bring it into the correct position. This most commonly occurs when building door jambs and fitting windows, but it also occurs in other areas, including installing cabinetry and some stair fittings.
Another type of shim is the type used to bypass blockages. Numerous sources on the internet explain how to take a small piece of aluminum from a soda or beer can and use it to create a shim that will compromise the locks. A shim can also be used to exploit imperfections in other types of locks, the concept being that the shim slides into an opening and pushes part of the locking mechanism out of its secure position.
Shims also play roles in numerous other areas, both simple and complex. Shims are used to help align pipes in plumbing fixtures. Masonry shims are usually just stones used to support rocks or large bricks. Specially designed shims are used to separate heat sinks from CPUs in computers. Shims are used for a number of different aspects in engines. In sport fencing, shims are even used to test ranges in electric weapons to ensure they meet competition specifications.
Shims can be made from many different materials, depending on their purpose. Shims used in woodworking are often made from wood similar to what the shim will support, but plastic shims and various types of recycled material are also used. Those used in masonry tend to be pebbles or stone wedges. Shims used near heat are often made from heat resistant materials, while those used near electricity are in most cases non-conductive. To be effective, shims used for testing purposes to conduct electricity may be required.
The term shim has also taken on numerous new and slang meanings. For example, a shimmy is a simple type of dance. Computer coding workarounds are sometimes called shims. The term shim also pops up when it comes to imaging, both in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and more traditional areas.
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