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Best Shim Material

Created by

Mmeyer > 9 months ago, 15 Aug 2012

Mmeyer

TAS

81 posts

15 Aug 2012 10:10am

I recently bought a US Box fin and it is a bit loose in the fin box. I was just wondering what the best material is for making a shim or any other way to fix the problem.

Mark _australia

23526 posts

15 Aug 2012 8:12am

The stiff clear plastic used as a 'window' in boxes
Like the ones toys etc come in

snides8

1731 posts

15 Aug 2012 11:51am

You can use an empty can of coke!
A pair if scissors and an Ali can works fine.
Just watch you don't cut your fingers!

Waiting4wind

NSW

1871 posts

15 Aug 2012 2:13pm

I use a can of spray paint. Just give the base a few coats until you get a tight fit.

doggie

15849 posts

15 Aug 2012 12:25pm

Select to expand quote

Mark _australia said...

The stiff clear plastic used as a 'window' in boxes
Like the ones toys etc come in

Jeez you guys really think outside of the box dont you

MikeyS

VIC

1509 posts

15 Aug 2012 2:30pm

Strip or strips cut from a 2 litre PET drink bottle

Kimba

458 posts

15 Aug 2012 2:03pm

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snides8 said...

You can use an empty can of coke!
A pair if scissors and an Ali can works fine.
Just watch you don't cut your fingers!

You can also fix the shim to the fin with loctite or superglue. If you need double thickness wrap the ally over the top(with 1 layer each side) of the head so it resists pulling off every time you slot it in the box.

Waiting4wind

NSW

1871 posts

15 Aug 2012 2:35pm

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doggie said...

Mark _australia said...

The stiff clear plastic used as a 'window' in boxes
Like the ones toys etc come in

Jeez you guys really think outside of the box dont you

I was going to suggest a dried nut sack from a norwegian fruit bat, but they're a little harder to come by....

Mmeyer

TAS

81 posts

15 Aug 2012 3:11pm

Thanks all for your suggestions. I think i will go with the plastic bottle kind of idea.

doggie

15849 posts

15 Aug 2012 1:15pm

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Waiting4wind said...

doggie said...

Mark _australia said...

The stiff clear plastic used as a 'window' in boxes
Like the ones toys etc come in

Jeez you guys really think outside of the box dont you

I was going to suggest a dried nut sack from a norwegian fruit bat, but they're a little harder to come by....

Hahahaha

The southern reticulated ones are better ive been told

aus301

QLD

2039 posts

15 Aug 2012 4:41pm

Select to expand quote

Mmeyer said...

Thanks all for your suggestions. I think i will go with the plastic bottle kind of idea.

I usually found PET bottle plastic too thick and difficult to bend, Ideally you want to bend the shim in a U shape and wrap under the fin as you pus it into the box. That makes sure the shim is well in there and won't come out.

Another vote for coke can, works a treat.

Mmeyer

TAS

81 posts

15 Aug 2012 6:41pm

I ended up using the plastic from the plastic milk cartons and it took a bit of fiddling to get it into place but now it seems to work a treat!!! Thanks again for your help

Mark _australia

23526 posts

15 Aug 2012 5:57pm

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doggie said...

Mark _australia said...

The stiff clear plastic used as a 'window' in boxes
Like the ones toys etc come in

Jeez you guys really think outside of the box dont you

That plastic is also awesome for folding, then moulding fibreglass etc from to make interesting shapes as it is perfectly smooth and the resin doesn't stick to it.
Easy way to make moulds for funny shaped things.

Happy to provide you with amusement and good ideas Nate

The Craw

229 posts

15 Aug 2012 9:10pm

monofilm from an old trashed sail,easy to fold and some panels vary in thickness .

MikeyS

VIC

1509 posts

15 Aug 2012 11:36pm

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aus301 said...

Mmeyer said...

Thanks all for your suggestions. I think i will go with the plastic bottle kind of idea.

geez, I must have a really loose box. I do the u-shape trick too.

Nothing worse than having a really loose box. Reminds me about a joke about the difference between a swimming pool and this girl I used to.... Nah.

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