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Cutting Shims
Question
Forum Responses
From contributor A: We buy a bundle of cedar shakes a couple of times a year. We take the whole bundle and rip them into 2" strips throwing away the scraps. Immediately throw the shims in 5 gallon pails. They are the best shims for hanging doors, casework, trim, and whatever else would need a shim. We usually get about ten gallons of shims from one bundle. I think the bundle is about $20. From contributor G: I do the same thing but I cut mine to 1 1/4" widths. From contributor S: Same here I've just never been smart enough or had the time to rip them so I keep a 55 gallon trash can full and waste my time breaking them into sections when needed. I think I might follow suit. From contributor D: Does anyone use the breakaway composite shims? From contributor R: Good old low grade white cedar shingles. They are fast and easy. From contributor A: We actually cut for 2"(hanging doors with 1 1/4" is a little light) then cut the scraps for 1". I usually keep a gallon of the 1" for shimming baseboard, crown, wainscotting. Next batch, I'll meet you in the middle at 1 5/8". From contributor O: I bought six cases of the breakaway composites at a big box store when they reduced them to 25 cents per package (I think that there are 12 to the pack From Gary Katz, forum technical advisor: I like the breakaway ones for finish work, too, but I’ve always cut endgrain shims off 2x6 scraps. It's a little more time consuming that ripping shingles, and you have to use a table-saw sled, but the endgrain snaps off very easily. From contributor V: I'm a big fan of shim stock cut the way you describe. I ask the millwork shop to cut up a box or 2 of 2x2 squares of assorted thickness shims to be included with every delivery. I also keep a pail of dry cedar shims on the job as well.
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