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.
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.
The aluminum spacers here are M3x25, and the nylon kits span 6 to 20 mm.
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 180-piece kit spans 6 to 20 mm, and the 250-piece kit holds 10 sizes of M3 spacers.
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.
Quick comparison
| 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 |
Steps
- 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.
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.
Parts used
20pcs Knurled Aluminum M3x25 Standoff Spacer Pillar : Black, for FPV RC Drone Frames, $11.99
180-Piece M3 Black Nylon Standoff Spacer Kit for FPV Drone Frames, Hex, 6-20mm, $9.81
250-Piece M3 Black Nylon Standoff Spacer Kit, Insulated Hex, 10 Sizes, $14.61
Nylon Standoff Kit, M2-M4, 200 Pieces, $8.99
APEX 5 5-Inch Carbon Fiber FPV Frame Kit, 225mm, 5.5mm Arms, $52.99
DarwinFPV BabyApe II 3.5 Inch Freestyle FPV Frame Kit : 156mm Carbon Fiber, $57.99
Related buying guides on Quality RC Parts
How to Pick M3 Standoffs for Your FPV Drone Frame
Screws, Standoffs and Hardware for FPV in the USA
RC Screws, Nuts and Standoffs in the USA
Browse all the guides on the Quality RC Parts Drone Guides hub, or start at the Quality RC Parts store.
Sources
Quality RC Parts stocks parts in New York, USA and ships in-stock orders in 1-2 business days.
Last updated: 2026-11-10.