Adafruit
Adafruit Shield Stacking Headers Arduino R3 Compatible 10.5mm legs
Stackable headers with 10.5mm legs add shields to Arduino R3 boards while clearing the USB connector
- TypeEngineering Development Tools
- Stack shields without blocking USB with 10.5 mm legs leaving 8.8 mm clearance
- Includes 10, 8, 6 and 2x3 pin headers for full R3 compatibility
- 5 mm leg length clears 1.7 mm PCB thickness for reliable stacking
- Multiple pin counts let you connect shields that use different header layouts
- Simple header set expands Arduino R3 and Leonardo projects with extra shields
Arduino R3 stacking headers
These 10.5 mm stacking headers fit Arduino R3 and Leonardo boards, letting you add multiple shields without soldering. The set includes 10-pin, 8-pin, 6-pin and 2×3 headers to match common shield layouts. Makers and students can prototype quickly by plugging shields directly on top. The legs clear the USB-B connector for unhindered access.
Thermals noise and power
Passive headers add no active cooling, fan noise or power draw to the circuit. The 1.7 mm PCB thickness leaves 8.8 mm of clearance above the board after installation. This gap keeps the USB-B port accessible while maintaining reliable electrical contact. No thermal management is required for the headers themselves.
Build quality and connectors
Gold-plated pins resist oxidation during repeated shield swaps, and the 10.5 mm leg length is sized for standard Arduino shield spacing. The assortment covers the majority of R3-compatible shields in one pack. Builders needing non-standard pin counts or surface-mount footprints will need separate headers. The through-hole design suits hand assembly on perfboard or custom PCBs.
Highlights
- Stack shields without blocking USB with 10.5 mm legs leaving 8.8 mm clearance
- Includes 10, 8, 6 and 2x3 pin headers for full R3 compatibility
- 5 mm leg length clears 1.7 mm PCB thickness for reliable stacking
- Multiple pin counts let you connect shields that use different header layouts
- Simple header set expands Arduino R3 and Leonardo projects with extra shields
Specifications
| Type | Engineering Development Tools |
|---|
Questions about this item
How do I align and seat these stacking headers onto an Arduino R3 so the 10.5 mm legs clear the USB-B connector?
Place the headers on the Arduino’s female sockets, check that each pin enters straight, then press down evenly until the header bodies rest on the board; the 1.7 mm PCB thickness leaves 8.8 mm above the shield, just enough to clear the USB-B connector.
What upkeep will these headers need after repeated shield swaps?
The gold-plated pins resist corrosion; if they become dirty, clean gently with isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush, then reseat — no lubrication or scheduled replacement is required.
What mechanical limit appears first when shields are stacked continuously?
The 10.5 mm leg length sets the maximum stack height; each additional shield adds its own PCB thickness, so total clearance above the Arduino is fixed at 8.8 mm per header set.
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