Bench note · 1 October 2026
Shelf Pin Holes: 1/4 Inch or 5 mm, and Where to Drill
Two pin sizes look alike and do not swap. Pick the size, then the edge distance, then drill.
Two sizes that look the same
Shelf pins come in 1/4 in and 5 mm. A quarter inch is 6.35 mm, so the difference is a little over a millimeter. A 5 mm pin rattles in a 1/4 in hole. A 1/4 in pin will not enter a 5 mm hole.
Buy the pins first, or measure the ones you have. Our jigs come with a bit for each size.
Spacing and edge distance
The 7-hole jig spaces holes 1-1/4 in apart. That is close to the 32 mm system used on flat-pack cabinets, so shelves move in small, even steps.
Edge distance is how far the column sits from the front of the panel. Both jigs offer 37, 50 and 64 mm. The drawing shows the three columns to scale.
- 37 mmfrom the panel edge
- 50 mmfrom the panel edge
- 64 mmfrom the panel edge
- 1-1/4 inbetween holes on the 7-hole jig
Drill to one depth
A stop collar on the bit keeps every hole the same depth and saves the far face of the panel. Set it so the pin seats fully and no more.
Drill the first set, drop the positioning pin through the jig into the last hole, and continue. The column stays on one line.
Seven holes or eleven
The 11-hole jig is quicker on tall bookcases and has its own clamp. The 7-hole jig adds a template for 35 mm hinges, which suits a cabinet with doors.
Worn guides can be renewed. We sell the 1/4 in sleeves and the positioning pin as a spare kit.
| Product | Holes per pass | Pin sizes | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| RUITOOL 7-Hole Shelf Pin & Hinge Jig | 7, spaced 1-1/4 in | 1/4 in (6 mm) and 5 mm | $42.49 |
| RUITOOL 11-Hole Shelf Pin Jig | 11 | 1/4 in and 5 mm, with a bit and bushings for each | $53.99 |
| RUITOOL Shelf Pin Jig Sleeves | Accessory | 7, for 1/4 in bits | $9.99 |
| RUITOOL Drill Stop Collars | Accessory | Bits 5/64 to 3/16 in, 30 to 34 x 20 mm | $19.99 |
