When discussing how to measure shelf support, the specific type of support often dictates the method. A common type of support, particularly for adjustable shelving in cabinets and furniture, is the shelf pin.
Measuring Shelf Support Pins
Measuring shelf support pins typically involves determining their diameter. This measurement is crucial to ensure the pins fit correctly into the pre-drilled holes in the cabinet or furniture side panels. Pins that are too large won't fit, while pins that are too small will be loose and fail to provide adequate support.
Diameter Measurement
You can measure the diameter of a shelf pin using tools like a caliper or a measuring tape. Most commonly, shelf pin diameters are specified in either fractions of an inch or millimeters.
- Inches: Common sizes include 1/4 inch, 3/16 inch, and 5/8 inch.
- Millimeters: Common sizes include 5 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm.
It is essential to know the size of the existing holes or the pins you are replacing. If you are drilling new holes, selecting a standard pin size (like 5mm or 1/4 inch) is recommended.
Inch to Millimeter Conversion
Sometimes, measurements may be given in one unit, but you need the size in another. A useful conversion to remember, as highlighted in the provided reference, is the relationship between 3/16 of an inch and 5 millimeters.
According to the reference: "We see that 3 16 of an inch is equivalent to 5 millimeters therefore i would use a five millimeter shelf pen." This means if the holes are sized for 3/16 inch pins, 5mm pins are a suitable alternative, and vice-versa, as they are practically equivalent sizes for this application.
Summary of Shelf Pin Measurement
To measure for or identify shelf support pins:
- Determine the diameter of the pin or the hole it fits into.
- Use a measuring tool like a caliper.
- Note the size in either inches (e.g., 3/16", 1/4") or millimeters (e.g., 5mm, 6mm).
- Be aware of common equivalencies, such as 3/16 inch being equivalent to 5 millimeters.
Understanding these basic measurements ensures you select the correct shelf pins for secure and stable shelving.
