Packers & Spacers

About Packers & Spacers

Packers and spacers are essential levelling and alignment solutions used across construction, joinery, glazing and general installation work. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of plastic and steel shims, flat packers, U-packers, wedge packers and precision shims designed to create accurate gaps, level surfaces and support loads during installation projects. These versatile products solve common problems when fitting windows, doors, frames, fence posts and fixtures where precise spacing and load distribution are critical.

Available in various materials, thicknesses and profiles, packers and spacers from leading brands like Broadfix, Sirius and Faithfull provide tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts with reliable shimming solutions. From mixed tub assortments perfect for general use to precision steel shims for exacting applications, MyToolShed offers products suitable for both professional contractors and home improvement projects requiring accurate levelling and spacing.

Applications

Packers and spacers are invaluable across multiple trades and applications:

• Window and door fitters – levelling frames during installation and maintaining consistent gaps
• Glaziers – supporting glass units and setting glazing beads to correct tolerances
• Carpenters and joiners – shimming timber frames, levelling floor joists and packing architraves
• General builders – levelling kitchen units, bathroom fittings and supporting structures during construction
• Fencing contractors – spacing fence posts with dedicated post shoes and shimming gate hardware
• Plumbers and heating engineers – supporting and levelling radiators, boilers and pipework installations
• Electricians – packing consumer units, back boxes and mounting equipment level
• Maintenance and facilities management – adjusting and levelling equipment across industrial and commercial settings

Choosing The Right Packers & Spacers

Selecting appropriate packers and spacers depends on several key factors:

Material: Plastic packers suit most general applications offering flexibility and non-marking properties, whilst steel shims provide superior strength and precision for heavy-duty or high-compression scenarios.

Profile type: Flat packers work for straightforward spacing, U-packers grip around frames preventing lateral movement, and wedge packers provide micro-adjustability for precise levelling on uneven surfaces.

Thickness range: Consider the gap you need to fill. Mixed assortments offer flexibility with typically 1mm to 10mm options, whilst precision shims provide finer increments from 0.1mm upwards for exacting tolerances.

Load bearing: Ensure packers can support the weight of your installation. Heavy items like kitchen units or structural glazing require robust packers with appropriate compression resistance.

Pack size: Mixed tubs and carry cases from brands like Broadfix available at MyToolShed.co.uk provide excellent value for regular users, whilst smaller packs suit occasional use or specific projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can plastic packers be used for load-bearing applications?

Yes, quality plastic packers are designed to support significant loads including window frames, door installations and kitchen units. However, for extremely heavy or structural applications, steel shims may be more appropriate. Always check the manufacturer's load specifications.

What's the difference between flat packers and U-packers?

Flat packers are simple shims placed beneath or between surfaces for spacing and levelling. U-packers feature a channel profile that grips around frame edges, preventing lateral movement and providing more secure positioning during installation work.

Are packers and spacers reusable?

Most plastic and steel packers can be reused multiple times provided they haven't been damaged, cut or subjected to excessive compression. This makes them cost-effective for tradespeople who regularly carry out installation work requiring precise levelling.