A securing system for use with glass panels is provided. The securing system provides clamping and securing forces to a panel held within a base shoe system, e.g., of a frameless glass guard railing. The securing system includes a back plate with separately tapered portions, and a shim assembly including tapered shim members. Each tapered shim member overlays a separately tapered portion of the back plate and is laterally positionable thereupon. Downward forces applied to the shim members are translated into lateral forces causing the shim members to move laterally in relation to the back plate. These lateral translations cause the system's width to increase to secure the panel within the base shoe and/or decrease to release the panel from the base shoe. The system also includes tools to apply said downward forces.