How to Drill Shelf Pin Holes
To drill shelf pin holes that line up, use a shelf pin jig with a stop collar on the bit, register it from the bottom of every side panel, and drill before you assemble the cabinet. Most shelf pins are 5 mm (European) or 1/4 in (American); drill the hole the same size and about 3/8–1/2 in (10–12 mm) deep. On the 32 mm system the holes are 32 mm apart in rows 37 mm from the front and back edges.
Shelf pin sizes
| Pin | Hole | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mm | 5 mm, 10–12 mm deep | European cabinets, flat-pack, the 32 mm system |
| 1/4 in | 1/4 in (6.35 mm), 3/8–1/2 in deep | American cabinets and bookcases |
| 3 mm | 3 mm | Small cabinets, display cases |
| 7 mm | 7 mm | Heavy shelves |
| Sleeved pins | Larger hole with a metal sleeve | Plywood or MDF that would wear |
Spoon and plate pins give the shelf a flat seat; locking pins hold glass shelves and stop the shelf sliding forward.
The 32 mm system
European cabinets are built on the 32mm standard, a 32 mm grid: holes 5 mm in diameter, 32 mm apart vertically, in rows 37 mm in from the front edge (and the back, for shelves). Hinge mounting plates and drawer slides screw into the same holes, so one jig drills a cabinet side for everything. It is worth following even for one-off furniture: hardware is made to fit it.
How to drill shelf pin holes
- Choose the jig: a store-bought shelf pin jig (such as the Kreg jig), a length of pegboard, or a strip of MDF with holes drilled on a drill press every 32 mm.
- Register from the bottom: put the end of the jig against the bottom edge of every side panel, never the top, so a side that is a hair longer does not throw the holes out of line.
- Set the depth: a stop collar on the bit, or a jig with a self-centring bit and a built-in stop. Test on an offcut.
- Drill the front row, then move the jig to the back row, 37 mm (1 1/2 in) from the back edge, or from the edge of the back panel.
- Mark the panels left and right before you drill so the holes face inward on both.
- Vacuum the chips out of the holes before assembly.
Spacing tips
- Start the holes about 4–6 in (100–150 mm) above the bottom and stop the same distance below the top: shelves are rarely set closer.
- Leave out holes where hinge plates or drawer slides go.
- For books, a hole every 32 mm (1 1/4 in) is plenty; 1 in spacing gives finer steps.
- Shelves on pins sag more than fixed shelves: check the span with the shelf sag calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What size are shelf pins?
5mm shelf pins are the most common size in European and flat-pack furniture; 1/4 in (6.35 mm) is common in American cabinets. 3 mm and 7 mm pins exist for small and heavy shelves. Drill the hole the same size as the pin.
How deep should shelf pin holes be?
About 3/8–1/2 in (10–12 mm) in 3/4 in (18 mm) board, so the pin is held firmly and the drill cannot come out the other side. Use a bit with a stop collar.
How far apart are shelf pin holes?
32 mm (about 1 1/4 in) apart vertically on the 32 mm system, or 1 in in many US cabinets. The rows are about 37 mm (1 1/2 in) in from the front and back edges.
What is the 32 mm system?
The European cabinet standard: every hole is on a 32 mm grid, 5 mm in diameter, in rows 37 mm from the front edge. Shelf pins, hinge plates and drawer slides all use the same holes.