How To Install Shelf Support Clips

This commodity is from Result 87 of Woodcraft Magazine.

Cull from a wide diverseness of pins and brackets to end off your next casework project.

Despite their small size, shelf back up pins have a big function in many casework projects. Visible in the finished sides of a case, parallel columns of evenly spaced holes convey precision, craftsmanship, and calibration. And these minor parts can (and often practise) support major loads.

Consider 4 factors when selecting shelf pins

Size: Regardless of their style, pin-type shelf supports are made to fit in either a 5mm-dia. hole or a 1/4"-dia. hole. European-style frameless cabinets accept 5mm-dia. holes, spaced 32mm apart. Holes for 1/iv"-dia. pins are typically spaced 1" autonomously. Most shelf pin jigs take jump-actuated drill bits for both pigsty diameters, so pigsty spacing volition depend on the jig y'all apply (run across sidebar on facing page).

Fashion: Bones, paddle-type shelf supports are the about commonly used way. Circular support pins likewise fall into this bones category, only I don't like their tendency to create small recesses in wood shelves over time. They're more than suitable for smaller casework projects like curio cabinets. L-shaped brackets with pins are a practiced option for shelves that need to support a lot of weight. If you lot're planning to install glass shelves, look for plastic-coated shelf supports that provide essential cushioning and belongings power.

Terminate: Shelf supports come in the aforementioned variety of metal finishes typically used for hinges, pulls, and other cabinet hardware. If you're willing to search amongst several different suppliers, you tin can detect common metal finishes like nickel, chrome, brass, antique brass, statuary (similar to antique brass), black, and stainless steel.

Sleeves: Some shelf supports include sleeves that are inserted into holes to concord support pins. Available in the same stop varieties as pins, sleeves give casework a more formal, finished appearance. Equally you might wait, they add together to the cost and installation fourth dimension of your projection.

Easy and Accurate Shelf Pin Holes

Some woodworkers rely on a shop-made jig to drill evenly spaced holes for shelf supports. Non me. I really like the speed and precision y'all go using a shelf pivot jig and matching bit (meet Buyer's Guide, p. 70). The steel neckband on the spring-actuated bit nests in the jig's 3⁄8"-dia. holes, keeping the bit perfectly aligned. The scrap automatically stops at 1⁄2" depth, and its brad-point, spurred tip is designed for making clean holes.

For all-time results, plan to drill your holes before assembling case sides. Once your instance is assembled, drilling the sides is more hard and more time consuming. To eliminate the hassle of removing pigment or other terminate from shelf support holes, y'all tin prefinish case sides earlier you drill.

The jig'south plastic surface is slippery, and then brand sure to clamp information technology securely. You'll discover that sawdust tin can accumulate between the drill bit and its outer housing, jamming the spring activeness. After drilling several holes, it'due south smart to clear this debris by sliding the housing dorsum and forth a few times.