Login
Login
Username or Email *
Password *
Remember me
Join the Allcon Advantage Program
To view each product’s price and be able to create and manage quotes. Register for Allcon’s Tiered Pricing Program.LEARN MORE
My Cart (0)

Home > Concrete Materials > Bar Chairs & Spacers > Shims

Shims

Q: How quickly can AllCon Dispatch?

Orders placed before our daily cut-off are dispatched the same day. Metro delivery is typically 1–2 business days. Regional areas can take a little longer, depending on distance and freight schedules. Need it fast? Use a 60-minute call-and-collect from Melbourne or Sydney, 6.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday. Place your order before 3 pm for same-day pickup. Orders placed after 4.30 pm are ready from 7.30 am the next business day.

Q: What is the difference between plastic and wood shims?

Plastic shims keep their thickness, do not absorb moisture and handle weather without swelling. Wood can take up water, split under load and vary in size. If you need repeatable, accurate packing or you are working outdoors, plastic is the safer, more consistent choice.

Q: Can you screw through shims?

Yes, you can screw through shims. Pre-drill if needed and avoid overtightening. Keep the fixing at least 10 mm from the edges to reduce the risk of cracking. For heavier loads, spread the load with a full shim rather than a horseshoe, or add a washer under the screw head. The goal is a secure hold without crushing the packer.

Q: What's the difference between a shim and a spacer?

A shim adjusts the level or height. You add or remove shims until the element sits where it should. A spacer holds a fixed gap. Think of rebar chairs or façade stand-offs that maintain cover or a uniform cavity. Use shims for set-out and correction. Use spacers when a constant separation is required.

Q: How much weight can plastic packers hold?

Capacity depends on thickness, footprint and how the load is applied. Full shims carry more than horseshoes because they spread the load. As a guide, quality plastic packers support loads of 20 tonnes when used correctly. Always check the product data for the exact rating and base your limit on the smallest shim in the stack and the bearing surface beneath.

Q: Can you stack plastic shims?

Yes, you can stack plastic shims. On concrete jobs, these same packers are commonly referred to as concrete shims, and stacking them is standard practice to reach the required height. Build stable stacks on a sound surface, align edges and avoid tall, narrow columns. Use fewer, thicker shims for heavy loads and finish with a full shim on top to spread the pressure. If you are using horseshoes, rotate them so the openings do not line up under a point load.

Panel shims, often called levelling shims, are thin plastic sheets used to provide temporary support and accurate levelling. They are essential for setting out precast elements, structural steel, door frames and windows. Shims are manufactured in a range of thicknesses, from 1mm to 20mm, and can be stacked in any combination to achieve the correct height.

Unlike improvised options, plastic shims are consistent in thickness, resistant to weather and unaffected by moisture. This makes them reliable for use across a wide range of concrete materials and site conditions. Their durability and accuracy help prevent costly delays by keeping structural components aligned and secure during construction.

Showing all 7 results

Shop Plastic Shims and Panel Packers from Allcon

Allcon supplies plastic shims and panel packers trusted by builders and concreters across Australia. Our products are available in a variety of thicknesses and colours, designed to meet Australian building standards and withstand demanding conditions on site.

Orders can be dispatched the same day if placed before the cut-off, with metro deliveries usually arriving within one to two business days. Regional areas are also serviced quickly through our freight partners. We operate warehouses in Melbourne and Sydney, both offering a 60-minute call-and-collect service for urgent jobs. Orders placed before 3 pm can be collected the same day, and those placed after 4.30 pm are ready from 7.30 am the next business day.

By choosing Allcon, you gain access to a wide range of shims, competitive pricing and a service that keeps projects running to schedule. Bulk quantities are available to deliver better value, and every pack is designed for easy handling and transport. For other site essentials, you can also explore our range of construction site supplies.