Why not use 1/4 inch shelf pins

[ken_rychlik]

5mm bits seem hard to find for me and 1/4 inch shelf pins are available for the same price. I am thinking of just using 1/4 inch bits for my cabinet panel processing and run 1/4 inch holes for adjustable shelves. Anything wrong with the idea?
Kenneth

[landdesign]

1/4" is all I have ever used in my shop and I'll hit 300 sets this year of cabinets. I have never had anyone ask about 5mm verses 1/4".... that being said... if you do choose to go 5mm you can also start using things like drawer glides and things that use a traditional 5MM hole to sit in. for a production shop this can really speed the installation and accuracy on the hardware.

Erik

[Gary Campbell]

Kenneth..
Like Eric says... using a common size bit for your door, drawer and shelf drilling is the main reason for the 5mm. This was started with the 32mm line bore system and the parts have stayed with the same bore.

If you want the 5mm, Woodworkers supply has some inexpensive carbide tipped brad points. I prefer the boring machine bits, as they seem to drill cleaner holes. We use them in 5mm, 1/4 and 9/32 (for brass inserts and 1/4" pins) interchangebly.
Gary

[robredick]

Kenneth

These will magically show up at your front door (if you order them online)...

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=20270

[thewoodcrafter]

As mentioned above if your not building frameless cabinets and don't need the 5mm holes for hinge plates and slides 1/4" holes are the way to go.