Packers & Shims

Learn more about packers and shims

Packers and shims help you fill gaps, level and align components before a fixing is tightened. 

High-density polypropylene shims resist extreme compression loads, providing a permanent, stable bearing surface beneath heavy window units, door frames, and timber joists. Universal colour-coding across standard packer thicknesses allows installers to quickly identify and stack precise depths on-site without stopping to measure. 

Typical uses

• Levelling components and packing behind fixings during general building work.

• Packing out door and window frames so they sit square in the opening.

• Spacing fixings and creating an even gap before tightening.

How to choose the right packers and shims

Matching your packer shape, thickness, and load capacity to your application ensures a secure fit:

• Horseshoe vs. flat packers: Horseshoe, or U shims, feature a slotted design that slips directly around pre-installed screws and frame fixings without removing the fastener. Flat packers provide a solid bearing footprint ideal for window installations, door frames, cabinets and joinery.

• Colour-coded thicknesses: Standard packers range from 1mm up to 6mm, with distinct colour-coding to simplify micro-adjustments on-site.

• Comb and anti-slip profiles: Choose comb or combi-packers with ribbed surface teeth to prevent shims from sliding against each other when stacking multiple packers together.

Before you order

• Measure the gap and the amount of adjustment you need, then choose thickness increments you can build up to the right dimension.

• Check the surface condition and access. Clean, sound mating surfaces help the pack sit flat.

• For outdoor or exposed work, choose a material that suits the conditions.

Explore our range of packers and shims

Browse our selection and our wider fixings and adhesives range for domestic and commercial use. You can compare product specifications and choose the right mix for the job in hand.

Check out plastic shims, wedges, U shims, and flat packers and compare thickness options and combine pieces to suit the gap.

Shop packers and shims online and choose our free Click & Collect service and pick up from your local Travis Perkins branch, or use our fast delivery service.