Spacers

A spacer is used to increase the distance between parts being fastened. Spacers are often a length of tube through which a fastener is inserted; a short spacer may therefore resemble a thick washer. Washers are sometimes used as small spacers. Spacers are similar to standoffs, but standoffs include a threaded shaft or hole, enabling them to be fitted without an additional fastener.

Both spacers and standoffs are commonly used within electronic assemblies. They are used to provide space for cooling airflow and provide electrical insulation. They may be referred to as PCB Spacers. Common materials for such spacers are brass, stainless steel, nylon polyoxymethylene (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC)