Plastic shims definitely beat soggy wood, but man, trimming those things is like chasing a greased pig sometimes.
Yeah, those plastic shims slide around like crazy if you’re not careful. The horseshoe ones are nice for quick jobs, but I still double-check that nothing’s shifting when I tighten things down. Sometimes I’ll wedge a flathead behind the shim to keep it steady while I snap it—saves my knuckles under cramped vanities. Also, I’ve noticed some brands are way more brittle than others, so I stick with the ones that don’t crack if you look at them wrong.
Man, I feel this. I tried using those plastic shims under my vanity last month and they kept shooting out like I was playing shuffleboard. Ended up crawling around looking for one that disappeared behind the wall... Still, way better than the mushy wood ones I pulled out. I guess it’s just one of those “pick your poison” deals. At least if it’s off-center, you know you’re not alone—seems like everyone’s fighting the same battle with these things.
I tried using those plastic shims under my vanity last month and they kept shooting out like I was playing shuffleboard.
That’s exactly what happened to me, except one actually made it into the heat vent. I’ve started roughing up the bottom of the plastic shims with sandpaper—seems to help them grip a bit better. Not perfect, but less chasing them around. Anyone ever try those composite shims? Wondering if they’re any less slippery.
one actually made it into the heat vent
That’s hilarious—mine ricocheted off the wall and nearly took out a potted plant. I’ve tried composite shims (the ones made from recycled materials), and they’re a bit grippier than the slick plastic ones, but still not perfect. Honestly, I ended up using some leftover cork under one corner. Not exactly pro-level, but at least it stayed put and felt a little more eco-friendly.
Honestly, I ended up using some leftover cork under one corner. Not exactly pro-level, but at least it stayed put and felt a little more eco-friendly.
Hey, nothing wrong with cork—sometimes the simplest fix is the best one. I’ve seen pro installs where they just used whatever was handy anyway. As long as it’s stable and not shifting, that’s what matters most.