Risk of 26.0mm stem clamp on 25.4mm bar?

[DLM]

I purchased a used Thomson stem that was advertised with a 25.4mm clamp size, but when I got it the faceplate clearly states 26.0mm. I understand this is a road stem, but I'm wondering if I can still use it given it's only a .6mm difference.

A Thomson rep, of all people, actually recommended cutting a section of a soda can and wrapping it around the handlebar as a shim.

A Performance service tech was a lot more conservative and said it's not worth taking the risk of having a shim not work and potentially getting injured. He recommended ditching the stem and getting the correct one.

What do you all think?

Thanks in advance.

 

[nomadFF]

I would get the right size. I have seen several Thomson faceplates crack from overtightening, uneven tightening , whatever, enough to where I would not want to rig one to work in its unintended purpose. I would get the right part for the job

 

[autoduel]

I wouldn't with a carbon bar, but with aluminum I would shim it. 1 layer of can is .2mm thick, so 3 Layers layers of coke can would do it.
My wife has been running that way for years with a road stem since the only 50mm stems were DH built.

EDit:
you can also get a 25.4 to 26.0 seatpost shim like this and cut it to length:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Seat-Post-Shims...ing_Parts_Accessories?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116