Practical tools for measured work
Shelf Pin & 32 mm Layout Template
Generate a full-size, printable shelf-pin drilling template at the 32 mm system pitch or a custom pitch.
Calculate the layout, check the diagram, then print the result for the shop or jobsite.
The 32 mm choice sets pitch only; every other dimension remains editable.
Used in custom mode. In 32 mm mode the pitch is exactly 32 mm.
For two rows, applied symmetrically from both edges.
The SVG uses millimetre document dimensions as its scale reference. The shared PDF pipeline adds a 10 mm calibration square, overlap and crop marks. Print at 100%, disable fit-to-page, and verify scale in both axes before drilling.
How it works
Direct answer. Lay out one or two shelf-pin rows at a custom pitch or the common 32 mm system pitch. The result lists the hole count and produces a full-size tiled drilling reference.
Method. Starting at the entered top offset, hole positions advance by the pitch while retaining at least the entered bottom margin. Two-row mode mirrors the editable edge setback across the panel width.
32 mm source and scope. Blum's official MINIPRESS manual documents consecutive line boring at 32 mm and a machine setting that produces a 37 mm drilling distance. Those dimensions are useful defaults for that system, not universal shelf-hardware rules. This preset fixes only vertical pitch; diameter, setback and datum remain editable and must match the selected hardware.
Current-input example
The result above uses these exact values. This snapshot is included when the page is printed so the output can be checked against the original measurements.
- Units
- Millimetres
- Pitch preset
- 32 mm system pitch
- Hole rows
- Two rows
- Panel height
- 720
- Panel width
- 300
- Custom pitch
- 32
- First-hole offset from top
- 32
- Minimum bottom margin
- 32
- Row setback from edge
- 37
- Hole diameter
- 5
Primary result: Holes per row: 21.
Before using the result
- Measure from the datum or reference edge described by this tool, and do not mix inside, outside and centerline dimensions.
- Keep inputs in the displayed units and preserve more precision than the final cutting or purchasing tolerance requires.
- When the result is close to a limit, verify it with a test piece, field measurement, manufacturer drawing or qualified project professional.
Limitations
Confirm every dimension against the actual slides, hinges, shelf supports, jig and manufacturer drawings. Printed templates can be distorted by browser or printer scaling. Verify scale in both directions, make a test piece, use a depth stop, and keep hands clear of the bit.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 37 mm setback mandatory in a 32 mm system?
No. It is only a common starting default. Use the setback specified by the hardware and construction details.
Why is the last bottom gap sometimes larger?
The calculator places only complete pitch increments while preserving at least the requested bottom margin.
Related tools
Pocket-Hole Screw Calculator
Calculate a recommended pocket-hole screw length from joint geometry and warn if it would blow through the base workpiece.
Plywood Cut Calculator
Nest an arbitrary parts list onto sheets to minimize waste, with a visual cutting layout you can print.
Linear Cut List Optimizer
Optimize cutting a list of lengths from stock bars/boards, minimizing offcuts and stock used.
Board Foot Calculator
Calculate board feet and total cost for dimensional lumber.