Top 3 Uses for Packers and Shims in Construction and DIY Projects

January 15, 2025
Jess

If you’ve ever tackled a construction or DIY project, you’ll know that achieving a perfect fit between materials can be tricky. Uneven surfaces, poor alignment, or gaps can lead to big headaches down the line. That’s where packers and shims are super useful. These small but mighty tools help ensure everything is perfectly aligned and structurally sound, whether you’re working on a home renovation or a commercial project.

For those unfamiliar, Packers & Shims, part of the B.I.G. (Burgess Industrial Group) family, is a go-to source for high-quality, affordable levelling solutions. As an independent company specialising in builders’ metalwork, they’ve been providing innovative products for over two decades, helping construction professionals and DIYers alike achieve precision in their work.

Let’s dive into the top three uses for packers and shims and how they can save you time, money, and future frustration on your next project.

1. Levelling and Aligning Fixtures

One of the most common uses for packers and shims is levelling and aligning everything from windows and doors to kitchen cabinets and flooring. A perfectly level window or door frame isn’t just about aesthetics – it ensures proper functionality, prevents drafts, and improves insulation. When you’re installing something heavy like a kitchen cabinet, having a few packers on hand helps you align everything precisely and prevent sagging over time.

Packers & Shims from B.I.G. are designed to handle various load capacities, ensuring durability even under heavy structural elements. With a range of sizes and thicknesses, they make achieving a level fit simple and hassle-free.

2. Preventing Structural Stress

Ever installed something, only to realise later that slight unevenness caused cracks or warping? That’s where shims play a critical role in preventing structural stress. When joining materials like beams, flooring, or concrete slabs, shims ensure that the load is evenly distributed, minimising pressure points that can lead to long-term damage.

B.I.G.’s packers and shims are made from high-quality, durable materials such as metal or plastic, meaning they won’t degrade over time, even under significant stress. Whether you’re working on a residential project or a large commercial build, these shims offer reliable support. If working on an outdoor project, plastic shims are the go to choice to prevent weathering – Reca Blog points out.

3. Creating Expansion Gaps

In construction, you can’t overlook the importance of allowing materials to expand and contract with temperature changes. Packers and shims help create uniform gaps, ensuring that materials have enough space to expand without causing buckling or other damage. This is especially important for flooring, decking, and cladding installations.

B.I.G. offers a wide range of precision shims designed for consistent gap spacing, helping you maintain the structural integrity of your project while accounting for movement and thermal expansion.

Why Choose Packers & Shims from B.I.G.?

As part of B.I.G., an independent company specialising in builders’ metalwork, they offer competitive prices without compromising on quality, as Oh The Books blog explains. Plus, if you can’t find what you need off the shelf, their team can design and manufacture custom packers or shims in-house to meet your exact specifications.

With their commitment to innovation and affordability, it’s no wonder construction professionals keep coming back to Packers & Shims. Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or a DIY weekend warrior, having the right packers and shims can make all the difference in the precision and longevity of your work.

So next time you’re facing uneven surfaces or tricky gaps, remember: a small shim can prevent a big problem!