Sloppy holes - adjustable shelf pin drilling?

[dragoneggs]

Using my OF1400 for the first time and trying to drill adjustable shelf pin holes.  Read reviews on shelf pins being sloppy in general.  Drilled some holes using my new Woodpecker template jig using a bushing and an Amana 1/4in spiral bit.  The pins are a sloppy fit.  Measured drilled hole right around 0.253in.  Measured bit diameter about 0.249in.  Is this normal?  Do I have an unacceptable runout on my router? Or maybe the bit straightness out of tolerance?

Granted the pins are measuring in at 0.245in.  What are you all doing to get snug fitting shelf pins?

 

[jeffinsgf]

First thing to check (and least expensive to solve) is the fit of the guide bushing in the template. You shouldn't have to force it in, but neither should it wiggle around once it is in. Measure your guide bushing. I would not be surprised to hear that it is under-sized, which would allow it to wander around and enlarge the hole.

I've not put a caliper to one, but I'm surprised to read that your shelf pins measured .245. That seems pretty small.

If you're still in the early stages of the project and it's not too late to switch formats, I would highly recommend the 5mm brad-point router bit from Festool. I used that with the Woodpeckers Jig and have a perfect slip fit with 5mm shelf pins purchased from McFeely's and crisp, clean holes with zero tear-out.

 

[Rick Herrick]

FWIW, I ordered some pins from Amazon.  I had used the Kreg 1/4" jig to make the holes.  These pins had to be worked into the holes as they were pretty snug.  Not optimum, but no sloppiness.  Not close to them right now so can't measure the pins, but can later today.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PH77XWE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[waho6o9]

Bummer.

I'd take a quarter inch drill bit, mic it, and then see if there's any sloppiness in the holes drilled. 

If snug, I would locate .250 shelf pins.

 

[Cheese]

I've used the very same items as Jeff and got great results. Woodpeckers jig + Festool 5 mm bit.

I measured my 5 mm pins and they were .193" in diameter, so .004" under nominal. That's close to your 1/4" pins being .005" under nominal.

I'd expect the hole bore would only be .001"-.002" oversized at the max. Is this in plywood?

 

[dragoneggs]

I have a 5mm bit as well to try.  I bought the 1/4in shelf pins from Home Depot.  I think I have to go online to get the 5mm pins.  The smaller diameter shouldn't be a problem as my shelf loads will be light (ladies shoes).

I went the 1/4in route because I could purchase at HD for easy return if necessary since I had heard from online reviews that people were having sloppy holes with the 1/4in.

Time to head over to Amazon I guess.

 

[pixelated]

I’ve purchased 5mm pins from either HD, or Lowe’s, not sure which offhand.

 

[dragoneggs]

I’ve purchased 5mm pins from either HD, or Lowe’s, not sure which offhand.

Really?  I only see small qty packets.  Especially at Lowe's.  I need 100+qty. At Lowe's 8qty for $4!  Crazy.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-8-Pack-Shelf-Pins/3015073

I found 120qty on Amazon for $9 and free shipping.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N1F5R4C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1