Parallel horizontal shims that slide frictionless on vertical rods 1

[phill86518]

Horizontal shims that slide on vertical rods:

I have 10 long aluminum horizontal shims (nearly 8'') that have two identical holes (diameter nearly 0.5") on one end. Two vertical rods pass through each of these holes such that the 10 shims are stacked. These shims are required to be perfectly parallel to each and to the ground but currently, because of the suspension from one end, the shims' far ends tend to collapse on each other creating a slant.

I need a solution that not only solves this but ensures that the shims can slide up and down the rods (almost) frictionless perfectly aligned and parallel to one another. I also cannot use any grease.

Would appreciate any help!

 

[Stick.]

Can you provide a sketch of this arrangement with some dimensions? Preferably one that shows the ideal situation, and another that exaggerates the "shim's far ends" collapsing on each other effect.

Also, you're going to need to define how much deviation from perfect is acceptable.

 

[dtimberlake]

Among the many other hitherto unidentified details things the holes in the shims are going to need some careful detailing lest their square edges become locking devices.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71anrnKKStL._AC_SX522_.jpg

https://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/c7f358f04aec81e7c5e0be4c56edf041/i/m/image_14817.jpg?auto=webp&width=1200&height=1200&canvas=1200,1200&fit=bounds

https://img4.dhresource.com/webp/m/f3/albu/jc/s/12/2dea1ead-b8c3-4946-8a62-ba040a1361e4.jpg