A plastic insert (20) is configured to provide support of thin wafers (49) in wafer carriers (45) configured to provide peripheral wafer support. The invention includes the insert, the insert in combination with a wafer carrier, and the, methods of supporting the thin wafers as provided by the insert and the wafer carrier. The insert (20), in preferred embodiments, utilize tabs (80, 82) that fit into the side wall recesses (53) and have an interference fit in said recesses to secure the insert in place.