Author Topic: shelf pins, what ones do you use ? (Read 23014 times)

joiner1970 · « **on:** May 25, 2013, 12:57 PM »

I'm about to build a couple of bookcases and its all drilled out for 5 mm shelf pins just thought Id get an idea of what type others use. I'm thinking the type that you drill a 5 mm hole in the shelf too so it locks them in place or do I just use pegs and don't bother drilling holes in the shelf.

The shelves are only 200 x 400 x 19 veneered mdf.

Any tips , what do you use ??

ScotF · « **Reply #1 on:** May 25, 2013, 01:50 PM »

I typically use two types -- the ones at the bottom of your picture -- just plain old round ones and the first ones with the little tab. These styles have worked for me on numerous bookcases, shelving units with no issue.

Scot

Davej · « **Reply #2 on:** May 25, 2013, 01:52 PM »

The ones in the first pic . Its not worth using the type where you have to drill the shellf as you cant reverse them if theres any sag . And mdf sheves will sag if they carry any heavy weight .

Rob-GB · « **Reply #3 on:** May 25, 2013, 01:55 PM »

I have often used the ones in the bottom pic, but with the metal ferule inserts, Hafele ones IIRC. The ferules cover any minor break out in MFC or painted cabinets and prevent further chipping when moving, installing or altering shelf spacing's and make the holes look "finished" .

Oh! If you get bored you can use them to make a game of Solitaire

Rob

Festoolfootstool · « **Reply #4 on:** May 25, 2013, 02:44 PM »

Chris bit late for this one, but take a look at Swedish wire for a nicer look..

joiner1970 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 25, 2013, 03:26 PM »

Quote from: Festoolfootstool on May 25, 2013, 02:44 PM

Chris bit late for this one, but take a look at Swedish wire for a nicer look..

I will take a look anyway.

I might use the bottom one as its simple. Do you guys notch the shelf or just sit them straight on the dowel type in the last pic ? Just to stop forward movement or am I being too fussy

Peter Halle · « **Reply #6 on:** May 25, 2013, 03:35 PM »

Straight on the pin.

Peter

joiner1970 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 25, 2013, 03:41 PM »

Quote from: Peter Halle on May 25, 2013, 03:35 PM

Straight on the pin.

Peter

Cheers Peter, I can get carried away sometimes its a wonder I ever make a profit

joiner1970 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 25, 2013, 03:52 PM »

Are the Swedish wires the same as magic wires ?

They look great might use them next time.

Festoolfootstool · « **Reply #9 on:** May 25, 2013, 04:04 PM »

Quote from: joiner1970 on May 25, 2013, 03:52 PM

Are the Swedish wires the same as magic wires ?

They look great might use them next time.

No idea Chris I just know them as Swedish wire , they make for a slicker result you can also get them in a 4mm dia for less conspicuous pin holes

RL · « **Reply #10 on:** May 25, 2013, 04:30 PM »

I used these. Excellent look and quality and customer service.

http://www.widgetco.com/shelf-pins-5mm-antique-brass

CABMEISTER · « **Reply #11 on:** May 25, 2013, 10:57 PM »

I use the spoon type ones as well . the last ones were 5mm nickel with matching grommets .
I also like to put a low level clear door bumper on them to stop slippage of the shelf.

galwaydude18 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 26, 2013, 08:10 AM »

I always use the top on and site the shelf directly on it.

ccmviking · « **Reply #13 on:** May 26, 2013, 09:38 AM »

I use the Blum clear plastic ones for most shelving needs. They have a steel pin for strength, but a smooth flat surface to keep from marring your shelf. On frame-less cabinetry you should use the ones that lock the shelf in (we are in CA. and refer to them as earthquake type), because in theory someone including kids can pull the entire shelf out on themselves. The frame on framed cabinetry keeps the shelves from coming forward but frame-less has no built in stops.

Chris...

joiner1970 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 26, 2013, 12:26 PM »

Then there's these ones too

http://www.isaaclord.co.uk/enlarge.aspx?image=28204515.jpg&techImage=28204515a.jpg

galwaydude18 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 26, 2013, 12:54 PM »

Ya i have used those as well. I don't have a preference to either those or the top ones. Both work extremely well in my view. I would use either depending on what I have in stock

jacko9 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 06, 2013, 08:35 PM »

I use Brusso brass pins in cabinets. They sell them as pins and sockets in solid brass and they fit very nicely.

Jack

Akrylikas · « **Reply #17 on:** October 23, 2013, 03:54 PM »

Magic wires all the way

jobsworth · « **Reply #18 on:** December 13, 2013, 02:39 PM »

Anyone in the UK know of a good shelf pin supplier? I have been trying to find this style

http://www.widgetco.com/shelf-pins-brass-5mm-L

If they sell blum drawer slides and blum hinges, that would be a plus

thanks

Festoolfootstool · « **Reply #19 on:** December 13, 2013, 02:43 PM »

Ron I have not seen that L type of h,pin here in the UK

Davej · « **Reply #20 on:** December 13, 2013, 03:34 PM »

SDS LONDON do them with 7mm pin.
Dave

Upscale · « **Reply #21 on:** December 13, 2013, 06:11 PM »

Quote from: joiner1970 on May 25, 2013, 12:57 PM

I'm about to build a couple of bookcases and its all drilled out for 5 mm shelf pins just thought Id get an idea of what type others use. I'm thinking the type that you drill a 5 mm hole in the shelf too so it locks them in place or do I just use pegs and don't bother drilling holes in the shelf.

Kind of late to this discussion, but I typically use the following pins which partially locks the shelf in place as is or really does lock the shelf in place if you screw them down to the underside of the shelf.

mastercabman · « **Reply #22 on:** December 14, 2013, 08:04 AM »

Quote from: Upscale on December 13, 2013, 06:11 PM

Quote from: joiner1970 on May 25, 2013, 12:57 PM
I'm about to build a couple of bookcases and its all drilled out for 5 mm shelf pins just thought Id get an idea of what type others use. I'm thinking the type that you drill a 5 mm hole in the shelf too so it locks them in place or do I just use pegs and don't bother drilling holes in the shelf.

Kind of late to this discussion, but I typically use the following pins which partially locks the shelf in place as is or really does lock the shelf in place if you screw them down to the underside of the shelf.

That's what I use too

RL · « **Reply #23 on:** December 14, 2013, 08:44 AM »

However, I wouldn't use them on solid wood shelving unless you elongate one of the holes.

festoolviking · « **Reply #24 on:** December 14, 2013, 06:23 PM »

Hi

I use the straight pins and to make the recess in the shelf I use my OFK-700 in horisontal setup with a short 6mm bit. Then I "plunge" the router (like the Domino). I got a jig made up to get the "plunge" straight. As a depth stop I use the guide bearing that is fixed to the router?

Festoolviking