Clipsandfasteners 100 Nylon Spacer Bushings .257 I.D. 1/2 O.D. Length 1/2

Why these nylon spacers earned a spot in my hardware bins

In my shop, spacers are the unsung hardware that quietly make projects go smoothly. The white nylon bushings in this 100-count pack have become a go-to for jig building, light-duty isolation, and clean stand-offs where metal would be overkill or a liability. They’re simple parts—0.5 inch long, 0.5 inch outer diameter, and a 0.257 inch inner diameter that’s meant for 1/4-inch hardware—but the consistency and finish are what set them apart in day-to-day use.

Build quality and material

These are injection-molded nylon bushings, smooth and uniform, with only a faint parting line that doesn’t affect fit. The edges are clean and square, and the bore is free of flashing. Nylon is a smart choice here: it’s tough, has low friction, and won’t corrode. It’s also electrically insulating, which matters for electronics and mixed-material assemblies where metal spacers would create a ground path or induce noise.

Nylon does have limits. It absorbs moisture slightly, which can cause minute dimensional changes, and it can creep under sustained compressive load—especially at higher temperatures. Used as intended (spacers, light guides, glides), these aren’t deal-breakers. I wouldn’t use nylon spacers to hold a structural load over time in a hot enclosure, but for most shop, home, and electronics tasks, they’re right at home.

Dimensions and tolerances

On paper: 0.257" I.D., 0.500" O.D., 0.500" length. In hand, these hit those numbers reliably. I spot-checked a couple dozen with calipers:

• Length: typically 0.500", within a few thousandths across pieces
• O.D.: close to 0.500", round and consistent
• I.D.: right around 0.257", which is ideal for 1/4" bolts and screws

That 0.257" inner diameter is important. Standard 1/4-20 or 1/4-28 fasteners are about 0.250" nominal, so you get roughly 0.007" of clearance—enough to slide freely without wobble. If you’re running plated or slightly oversized hardware, it still passes without forcing. The bore surface is smooth, so there’s no gritty feel when the spacer rides on a screw shank or shaft.

Installation and day-to-day usability

These are straightforward to use. The 1/2" length is a sweet spot for common standoff needs: mounting pegboard off a wall, giving clearance behind siding, spacing T-track fixtures, isolating circuit boards, and separating moving parts in small mechanisms. The 1/2" O.D. gives a stable footprint that doesn’t crush into soft materials, especially if you pair it with a washer under the screw head or nut to spread load.

A few practical notes from use:
- The white nylon blends into light backgrounds but will show grime in a shop. It wipes clean easily.
- Edges are square. If you need a softer seat against delicate materials, add a washer or a thin rubber pad.
- If you plan to shorten them, cut with a fine-tooth saw or a sharp utility blade and clean up with a deburring tool. Nylon cuts cleanly if you don’t rush.

Where they shine

I’ve used these spacers across a mix of shop, home, and electronics tasks. A few examples:

• Pegboard mounting: Four spacers per corner with cabinet-head screws created a uniform 1/2" gap, just enough for hooks to lock. The 1/2" O.D. supports the load without deforming the drywall or the board.
• T-track jigs: They make tidy stand-offs for clamping fixtures. The bore rides smoothly on 1/4" hardware, and the uniform length keeps assemblies square.
• Light-duty glides: On a small sliding panel, these worked as low-friction guides against a hardwood edge. Nylon is slick enough for slow movement without lubrication.
• Electronics: As insulating spacers under a perfboard, they isolate the board from a metal chassis and don’t chew into the surface.
• Siding stand-offs: Behind vinyl, they keep fasteners from crushing the siding profile and help maintain a flush, permanent gap.

They also make good ad hoc rollers for medium-smooth shafts, though I treat that as a convenience rather than a design intent.

Durability and wear

Under clamp pressure and typical shop conditions, these hold their dimensions well. Nylon’s compressive strength is more than adequate for mounting and spacing duties. Over very long intervals under constant load, expect a little creep. If you’re clamping something very tightly, or it will live in a warm environment, consider checking torque after a while or stepping up to aluminum spacers for that specific use. For most mounting scenarios—especially where the spacer isn’t bearing heavy weight—they’ve been set-and-forget.

Surface wear has been minimal. Nylon glides reasonably on steel and wood. If you’re using them as bushings on a fast-spinning shaft, you’re stretching the category—look for engineered bushings instead. For low-speed, intermittent motion, they’re fine, and a dab of dry PTFE lube makes them even better.

Fit in the broader ecosystem

Compared with alternatives:
- Aluminum/steel spacers: Better for high load, heat, and long-term dimensional stability, but conductive, more expensive per piece, and harsher on delicate surfaces.
- Threaded standoffs: Convenient for panel work and electronics, pricier, and often limited in exact lengths/diameters.
- 3D-printed spacers: Great for one-offs, but inconsistent and slower to produce; surface finish and bore accuracy vary with printer and filament.

These nylon spacers sit in a sweet spot: inexpensive, consistent, and gentle on materials while providing reliable spacing and electrical isolation.

Value

Buying in a pack of 100 makes sense. Even if you only need a dozen now, it’s the kind of hardware that disappears into projects fast—and having a matched set matters when you want things to line up and look intentional. The cost per piece is low, and the uniformity from part to part saves time shimming or reaming holes that should have been correct out of the bag.

Limitations and what to watch for

• Long-term heavy compression: Nylon will creep. For structural or high-heat installs, use metal.
• Outdoor exposure: Prolonged UV can embrittle nylon, and temperature swings plus moisture absorption can shift fit slightly. Occasional outdoor use is fine; permanent exterior installs are not ideal.
• Chemical exposure: Nylon dislikes some solvents and strong acids/bases. In most shop and home settings, it’s a non-issue.
• Aesthetics: The bright white is visible in contrasty builds. If you want them to disappear, you can dye nylon, but it’s easier to choose a location where they’re hidden.
• Sizing: The 0.257" bore is perfect for 1/4" hardware. If you need 5/16" or metric sizes, you’ll need a different spacer.

Tips for best results

• Pair with a washer: Under screw heads or nuts, a washer spreads load and protects softer materials.
• Keep holes aligned: Since the bore-to-OD concentricity is good, you’ll get the cleanest stacks if your mating holes are accurately drilled.
• Don’t over-torque: Tighten to snug plus a quarter turn. If you crush the nylon, you’re overdoing it.
• Light lubrication for motion: If used as a bushing or glide, a dry PTFE spray reduces squeak and wear.

The bottom line

These nylon spacers are precisely what I want from a commodity part: accurate dimensions, clean finish, and reliable performance across many small jobs. They excel in applications that benefit from electrical isolation, low friction, and a gentle touch against finished surfaces. They’re not a substitute for metal spacers in high-load or high-temperature builds, but for shop jigs, home fixtures, and electronics, they’ve proven consistent and easy to work with.

Recommendation: I recommend these spacers. They’re dimensionally consistent, easy to install, and versatile across woodworking, light mechanical, and electronics tasks. The 100-pack offers solid value, and the 0.257" x 1/2" x 1/2" format covers a surprising amount of everyday spacing needs without fuss.