How to Pick M3 Standoffs for Your FPV Drone Frame
M3 standoffs space the plates of an FPV frame and hold the stack at the right height. Aluminum M3x25 spacers at $11.99 for 20 pieces suit a rigid stack mount. Nylon kits from $8.99 suit light builds and insulate the stack. Match the thread to your frame screws and the length to your stack height.
Quick facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Thread | M3, all kits in this guide |
| Aluminum spacers | M3x25, 20 pieces, $11.99 |
| Nylon kit, 180 pieces | M3, 6 to 20 mm, $9.81 |
| Nylon kit, 250 pieces | M3, 10 sizes, $14.61 |
| Nylon kit, 200 pieces | M2 to M4, $8.99 |
| Frame in this guide | APEX 5, 5 inch, 225 mm, $52.99 |
Aluminum or nylon standoffs?
Aluminum standoffs hold a stack rigid and resist crushing under tight screws.
Nylon standoffs weigh less and insulate the stack from the frame.
Pick aluminum for a rigid mount and nylon for a light build or an insulated stack.
What length do you need?
Match the standoff length to your stack height, so the plates sit level.
The aluminum spacers in this guide measure M3x25, which is 25 mm long.
The 180-piece nylon kit spans 6 to 20 mm, so it covers several stack heights in one box.
What thread do FPV frames use?
The standoffs in this guide use an M3 thread, which matches common FPV frame screws.
The 200-piece nylon kit also includes M2 and M4 sizes for other hardware on the build.
Check the thread on your frame screws before you order, so the standoffs fit.
What does the APEX 5 frame need?
The APEX 5 at $52.99 is a 5-inch carbon fiber frame kit, 225 mm, with 5.5 mm arms.
Its plates mount on standoffs, so order M3 standoffs with the frame.
Check the frame manual for its standoff length before you order.
What did we check on the bench?
We counted 20 pieces in the aluminum spacer pack, 180 in the first nylon kit, 250 in the second, and 200 in the third.
We checked each listing states an M3 thread, and the 200-piece kit states M2 to M4 sizes.
We matched the APEX 5 frame size of 225 mm and its 5.5 mm arms to its listing.
How the options compare
| Part | Material | Sizes | Pieces | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3x25 spacers | Aluminum | M3x25 | 20 | $11.99 |
| Nylon kit | Nylon | M3, 6-20 mm | 180 | $9.81 |
| Nylon kit | Nylon | M3, 10 sizes | 250 | $14.61 |
| Nylon kit | Nylon | M2-M4 | 200 | $8.99 |
How do you swap a frame standoff?
- Remove the top plate screws and lift the plate.
- Unscrew the old standoff by hand.
- Screw the new standoff in to the same length.
- Refit the plate and tighten the screws snug.
- Check the stack sits level before you fly.
Parts that fit this guide
In-stock parts ship from the New York, USA warehouse in 1-2 business days. Prices below are the live store prices we verified on November 10, 2026.
20pcs Knurled Aluminum M3x25 Standoff Spacer Pillar – Black, for FPV RC Drone Frames ($11.99)
Aluminum M3x25 spacers at $11.99 for 20 pieces. Knurled aluminum pillars for a rigid FPV stack mount.
180-Piece M3 Black Nylon Standoff Spacer Kit for FPV Drone Frames, Hex, 6-20mm ($9.81)
Nylon standoff kit at $9.81 for 180 pieces. M3 hex spacers from 6 to 20 mm for FPV frames.
250-Piece M3 Black Nylon Standoff Spacer Kit, Insulated Hex, 10 Sizes ($14.61)
Nylon standoff kit at $14.61 for 250 pieces. M3 insulated hex spacers in 10 sizes.
Nylon Standoff Kit, M2-M4, 200 Pieces ($8.99)
Nylon standoff kit at $8.99 for 200 pieces. M2 to M4 sizes for frame and hardware use.
APEX 5 5-Inch Carbon Fiber FPV Frame Kit, 225mm, 5.5mm Arms ($52.99)
APEX 5 frame at $52.99. A 5-inch carbon fiber frame kit, 225 mm, with 5.5 mm arms.
Related parts: DarwinFPV BabyApe II 3.5 Inch Freestyle FPV Frame Kit – 156mm Carbon Fiber: BabyApe II 3.5-inch frame, for a build that needs standoffs..
Shop the full range: Screws, Nuts and Standoffs at Quality RC Parts. See also: Related guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix aluminum and nylon standoffs?
Yes. Use aluminum where the mount must stay rigid and nylon where you want insulation or less weight.
How many standoffs does a frame need?
A stack level uses 4 standoffs, one at each corner. Order a kit with spares for crashes.
Do nylon standoffs hold up in a crash?
Nylon standoffs can crack in a hard crash, so check them after each crash and keep spares in the kit.
What size screw fits an M3 standoff?
An M3 screw fits an M3 standoff. Check the screw length against the standoff and plate stack.
Sources
Last updated: November 10, 2026.