There are basically 2 types of ‘shims’ used in reels, pressure shims and rotation shims. Pressure (or compression) shims rarely have a center hole and can be most any shape. Rotation shims (thin washers) have a center hole and are round. Pressure Shims are used to provide an adjustable range of increasing tension on an object’s revolution (spool tension). Rotation Shims are used to reduce excess play between parts and reduce friction between a static and rotating part. They are used in every reel type but are most widespread in spinning reels.
Consumers with our low-profile bait cast reels requesting a ‘shim set’ are usually referring to the tension shims parts #61 and #62 located in 57X Spool Tension Cap Assembly and part #106 located in 96X Palm Side Plate Assembly. Other bait cast shims are rotation type, singular purpose, and fixed thickness so not called for as a set or kit. Order the part numbers associated with the needed shims. Order one each of #’s 60, 62, & 106 for each spool tension set needed.
Shims are used next to anything that rotates on a spinning reel. In most instances they are dual purpose to reduce friction and take up play. Manufacturers use different thickness and combinations of materials and quantities when building reels with each production run to adjust for tooling wear. Most common shims requested are between the rotor head and frame, and between the side plate and drive gear. Seasoned DIY maintenance/repair guys understand how using a variety of shim count and thickness can help them achieve a balance between smoothness (how freely the reel rotates) and feel (roughness). Find out if the consumer is wanting a kit of gear shims or rotor shims. They will need to be entered as a NCPART or RCPART line indicating reel model and Rotor Shim Kit or Gear Shim Kit in the comments. I can provide what variety is available at the time.
Unique to spinning reels are a special purpose rotation shim often referred to as a line lay shim or spool shaft shim. If line is coning in the spool when retrieved, the addition or omission of a shim on the main shaft underneath the spool will adjust for even line lay. If the line is winding heavier at the top of the spool and lesser at the bottom of the spool, adding a shim on the main shaft can correct the issue. Conversely, if the line is laying heavier at the bottom of the spool than at the top, removing a shim can correct the issue. Depending on the severity of coning, it may require adding or removing more than on shim. If coning is the issue for the consumer, use the part number (or key number) for the reel model and order qty of 3. They only need additional shims if the line is laying heavy at the top of the spool.