Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Sure Fit Shims?

Sure Fit Shims are pre-molded plastic shims designed for consistent sizing, durability, and ease of installation. A Sure Fit Shim consists of two parts: First, a 3 ½” Base Plate or female portion and second, a 9” Shim, or male portion, which is inserted into and held in place by the Base Plate.  This creates an interlocking shimming system for better fit and stability. Thus it takes twelve (12) wood or composite shims to equal six (6) Sure Fit Shims.

2. How are Sure Fit Shims different from traditional wood shims?

3. When should I use Sure Fit Shims instead of wood shims?

Use Sure Fit Shims when:

• Precision and uniformity are critical (e.g., for both residential and commercial installs).
• You're working in wet or humid environments.
• Long-term durability and stability are required.

4. Are Sure Fit Shims reusable?

Yes, Sure Fit Shims are reusable if they haven’t been glued or permanently fastened.

5. Can I cut or trim Sure Fit Shims like wood shims?

Yes! Cutting requires a sharp box cutter or utility knife.

6. Do Sure Fit Shims offer better load-bearing strength?

While Sure Fit Shims are substantially stronger than wood or composite shims, they are not rated for structural load bearing purposes.

7. Are there any downsides to Sure Fit Shims?

• Higher cost.
• By design Sure Fit Shims will not “compress” into tight spaces as easily as wood.
• Requires a box cutter or utility knife.

8. Do wood shims still have a place in modern construction?

Yes. Wood shims are ideal for quick, temporary fixes, smaller jobs, or budget-conscious projects. They're also preferred in some applications for their slight compressibility.

9. Which type is more environmentally friendly?

Wood shims (especially if sourced from sustainable forestry) are biodegradable and have a lower carbon footprint.

10. Which type provides a more stable, long-lasting installation?

Sure Fit Shims

The Interlocking Shim Solution