Set-Up Wedges
What are set-up wedges? Set-up wedges are tapered steel wedges used to level, align, separate, and position workpieces during fabrication and machine setup. Their slim, shim-style profile makes small, repeatable height changes under parts without jacks or bulky fixtures, reaching into low-clearance gaps where blocks won't fit.
What is a set-up wedge used for?
A set-up wedge is a shop and fabrication tool for fine positioning. Driven with light taps, its taper makes small, predictable height changes to level a part, open or fine-tune a gap for clamping and tacking, or separate tightly fitted pieces without prying on their edges. The slim tip slides under low-clearance features where a block or jack won't reach, which makes it a staple for leveling machine components before fastening or welding, aligning plates, frames, and weldments before tack welds, and supporting work on planers, shapers, and milling machines. Use one wedge for quick nudges or an opposing pair for finer, centered control. Make small even taps and check level after each. Strike squarely, wear eye and hand protection, and never lever on a wedge or use it to hold weight. Drop-forged carbon steel stands up to repeated installs and strikes.
Why choose set-up wedges
- Precise adjustment: small taps make predictable height changes.
- Slim profile: reaches low-clearance gaps blocks can't fit.
- Separates parts: opens gaps without prying on edges.
- Forged carbon steel: durable through repeated strikes.
Common applications for set-up wedges
- Leveling components before welding or fastening
- Aligning plates, frames, and weldments before tack welds
- Creating and fine-tuning gaps for clamping
- Machine setup on planers, shapers, and mills
Browse every option on the main lifting hardware category.
Set-Up Wedges FAQ
What is a set-up wedge for?
Leveling, aligning, separating, and positioning workpieces during fabrication and machine setup, using small taps to make repeatable height changes.
Should I use one wedge or a pair?
Use a single wedge for quick nudges, or an opposing back-to-back pair for finer, centered control of height.
How do I use them safely?
Strike squarely with the right hammer, make small even taps and check level, avoid side-loading, and never lever on a wedge or use it to hold weight. Inspect for mushrooming and cracks before reuse.