shelf pins, what ones do you use ?

joiner1970

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Jun 13, 2007
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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.

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Any tips , what do you use ??
 
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
 
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 .
 
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  ;D

Rob
 
Chris bit late for this one, but take a look at Swedish wire for a nicer look.. [wink]
 
Festoolfootstool said:
Chris bit late for this one, but take a look at Swedish wire for a nicer look.. [wink]

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 :D
 
Are the Swedish wires the same as magic wires ?

They look great might use them next time.
 
joiner1970 said:
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
 
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.
 
    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...    
 
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
 
I use Brusso brass pins in cabinets.  They sell them as pins and sockets in solid brass and they fit very nicely.

Jack
 
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