Shims - Can, Bottle

Vending Machine Can & Bottle Shims

Keep your beverage vending machine set up for the products you want to sell with the right can and bottle shims. Vending machine shims are small parts, but they can play an important role in product setup and reliable vending. They help configure beverage columns for specific cans, bottles, and package sizes.

At Vending World, you can shop for vending machine can shims, bottle shims, spacers, clips, rods, springs, and related beverage vending parts. Our selection includes parts for popular Dixie Narco and Vendo beverage vending machines.

Whether you are repairing a machine, changing a column from cans to bottles, or restoring the original product setup, choosing the correct shim matters. The wrong part can change how a product sits inside the column. That may affect loading, product movement, and vending.

Use this category to find replacement shims and related parts for common beverage vending applications. Always compare the machine model, column type, package size, and part number before ordering.

Shop Can and Bottle Shims for Beverage Vending Machines

A beverage vending machine must handle products of different shapes and sizes. A standard 12 oz can is very different from a 20 oz plastic bottle. An energy drink can may also have a different diameter and height than a standard soda can.

The vending column must be configured for the package being sold. Shims and related setup parts help make this possible.

This category is designed for vending operators, service technicians, vending route owners, repair shops, and machine owners looking for beverage vending machine setup parts.

You may find parts for applications such as:

• 12 oz soda cans
• 16 oz beverage bottles
• 20 oz beverage bottles
• 8 oz and 10 oz energy drink packages
• Single-column beverage vending setups
• Double-column beverage vending setups
• Dixie Narco E-Model machines
• Dixie Narco 2145 and 5591 applications
• Vendo V-Max beverage machines
• Can and bottle conversion projects
• Replacement spacer applications
• Product-retaining and column setup applications

The exact setup depends on the vending machine and the package being loaded. Do not assume that two products with similar ounce ratings use the same shim.

What Is a Vending Machine Can or Bottle Shim?

A beverage vending shim is a part used within certain vending machine product-column configurations. Its purpose can vary by machine design. In many applications, the shim helps create the correct amount of space for a particular can or bottle.

This is important because beverage packages are not all the same size.

A 12 oz aluminum can has a different shape from a 20 oz plastic bottle. A slim energy drink can is different again. Even bottles with similar capacities can have different diameters, neck shapes, and overall dimensions.

The vending machine must be configured for the package it is expected to vend.

Depending on the machine, this setup may involve:

• Shims
• Spacers
• Clips
• Rods
• Springs
• Product guides
• Column hardware
• Motor or rotor settings
• Package-depth adjustments
• Other manufacturer-specific parts

For this reason, a shim should be selected as part of the complete product setup. It should not be chosen only by appearance.

Why the Correct Beverage Shim Matters

Reliable vending starts with the correct machine setup.

A beverage column is designed to hold products in a controlled position until a customer makes a purchase. When the vend cycle starts, the machine must release the intended product and retain the remaining inventory.

If the column is configured incorrectly, the product may not sit or move as intended.

The correct shim can help maintain the spacing required for the package and machine configuration.

Better Product Positioning

The product needs to sit correctly inside the vending column. Excess space may allow some packages to move more than intended. Too little space can restrict movement.

A properly selected shim helps create the configuration specified for the package being vended.

More Reliable Vending

A vending machine earns money only when it completes sales correctly. A small setup problem can become a large service problem when it affects a busy machine.

Correct column setup helps support a clean and repeatable vend cycle.

Easier Product Conversions

Vending operators often change their product mix.

A column that once sold cans may later be used for bottles. A location may request energy drinks. Another account may switch from one bottle size to another.

When the machine supports the new package, the change may require different shims or related setup parts.

Reduced Trial and Error

Trying random shims is not a good way to configure a vending machine. A part can look almost identical to another part while having a different thickness, shape, mounting point, or intended application.

Using the machine model and part number can make the repair or conversion process much easier.

Vending Machine Can Shims

Can shims are used in beverage vending configurations designed for canned products. One of the most common vending packages is the traditional 12 oz soda can.

Machines that vend cans may use different parts based on the manufacturer, model, and column design.

For example, a Dixie Narco E-Model single column may use a different can shim than an E-Model double column. The fact that both columns vend cans does not mean the parts are interchangeable.

Before buying a can shim, identify:

• The vending machine manufacturer
• The exact machine model
• The column type
• The beverage package
• The package dimensions
• The existing shim or spacer
• The original part number, when available

These details can prevent ordering the wrong part.

Vending Machine Bottle Shims

Bottle vending can require a different column configuration than can vending.

Plastic bottles vary widely in size and shape. A 16 oz bottle may not have the same diameter as a 20 oz bottle. Different beverage brands can also use different bottle shapes.

A bottle shim helps configure supported vending equipment for the intended package.

When replacing a bottle shim, do not rely only on the words “bottle shim.” Look for the exact application.

Important information may include:

• 16 oz bottle
• 20 oz bottle
• Single column
• Double column
• Machine family
• Shim letter or designation
• Manufacturer part number

The more information you compare, the easier it is to narrow down the correct part.

Dixie Narco E-Model Shims

Dixie Narco E-Model beverage machines are common in the vending industry. These machines can be configured for different beverage packages, but the correct parts and setup are important.

Vending World carries Dixie Narco E-Model shim-related parts for can and bottle applications.

Examples may include:

• Dixie Narco E-Model can shims
• Single-column can shims
• Double-column can shims
• 20 oz bottle shims
• Conversion shim kits
• Rod and spring assemblies
• Related column setup hardware

The words “E-Model” alone are not enough to select every part. You still need to know the column and product configuration.

Single-Column Can Shim Applications

A single-column configuration handles products differently from a double-column configuration. This is why Dixie Narco single-column and double-column can shims should not be treated as the same part.

If you are replacing a damaged or missing shim, compare the replacement with the original configuration.