Handlebar shims

[kula]

Hi all, recently bought a pair of handlebars that were meant to measure 26.0 for a 3ttt quill stem. The stem just floated over the raised central section of the bars. I don't have a guage so don't which one is incorrect, but suspect it's the bars as I removed the stem from some old 3ttt Moscow low pro bars (which fitted tightly).
Anyway, I've cut a shim from a coke can and wrapped the central section of the bars. Stem now a snug fit and seems to hold up to the pushing and pulling that I've attempted.

My question is, has anyone had success with this, or anything I need to watch out for?

Of course i'd like to get the correct bars and stem solution, but until they turn up in the width and style that I want...

 

[hamster]

I can't see any problem with this. Make sure that the shims have no burrs on the edges though, which can cause stress raisers at the edges of the clamp area.

 

[kula]

Thanks for the advice, my shim is wider than the clamping area, although the edges are pretty smooth, I've just used black tape over the edges at the moment, but might make a narrower shim and smooth the edges as best I can for such a thin material.

 

[poweredbypies]

Put a nice wide shim in the stem then score around the stem edge into the shim when fitted. Decent pair of kitchen scissors should trim it nicely.

 

[TheGreenRabbit]

Read zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance for all you need to know about beer/coke can shim stock