How to Build Furniture Using "Pin and Barrel" Assembly (by Mariobrossh)

Indice

Want to build a sturdy, flat-pack-style piece of furniture like the ones from big-name shops? Then the cam and dowel (barrel nut) system is just what you need! In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how this type of assembly works, how to drill the right holes, and how to put everything together accurately. With a bit of care and the right tools, you can achieve a professional-looking result right at home.

Introduction

Here I am again................. :D
Since I was asked to create a detachable white laminated plywood bathroom cabinet, what better choice than using the famous pin and barrel joints, which are commonly used in most detachable particle board furniture? The problem is, I've never used them before, so I wanted to share with you the test I conducted using scrap pieces.

Contents of the Kit

Let's start by looking at what the kit includes and what each component is. From left to right, we have:

A 10 mm sleeve
A 10 mm barrel
A 7 x 20 mm pin
A 3 mm grub screw

Pin and barrel joint assembly kit

Mounting the Pin

To begin, drill a 9 mm hole as shown in the photo on the base of the cabinet, 9 mm from the edge, with a depth of 11 mm. The hole must be smaller than the sleeve (which has a diameter of 10 mm), otherwise it will wobble inside.

preparing the hole to insert the joint pin

Inserting the Sleeve

Next, we insert the sleeve into the hole, using a hammer to help, and then screw in the pin.

Inserting the pin into the threaded bush

Drilling the Hole for the Pin Slot on the Back of the Other Piece

At this stage, we move on to drilling the back of the other side of the cabinet, again 9 mm from the edge, to a depth of 22 mm using a 7 mm drill bit. By wrapping a piece of tape (masking tape will work perfectly for this) around the drill bit at the correct measurement, you can easily tell when the hole has reached the desired depth.

Place a piece of tape to indicate the correct depth of the hole

Drilling the Hole to Insert the Barrel

Now we move on to the hole that will host the barrel, which must have a diameter of 10 mm and be drilled deep enough to reach the pin hole. The distance from the edge must be 21 mm, and we need to ensure it is perfectly aligned with the pin hole.

Hole to accommodate the barrel

Inserting the Barrel

Now we insert the barrel, carefully aligning the notches with the previously marked line.

We insert the barrel into the hole made previously

Assembling the Joint

We insert the side with the pin into the hole and screw the grub screw into the barrel.

We insert the pin into the prepared hole

We tighten the grub screw all the way until we feel the base pulling the side panel towards itself.

We tighten the joint by turning the barrel with a screwdriver

Conclusions

As shown in this photo, if the measurements have been followed correctly, the two pieces align perfectly flush, and the joint is both easily detachable and reliable, as the wood of the cabinet is never subjected to stress.

pieces assembled with pin and barrel joints

For those who wish to ask questions on this topic, feel free to join the discussion already active on the forum at the following link:
https://www.ilsitodelfaidate.it/FDTForum/viewtopic.php?t=6811

Thank you
Mariobrossh

Warning!

The advice and instructions provided on this site come from hobbyists rather than professional technicians, meaning there is no guarantee that they are accurate or represent the best solution.
Additionally, using the tools and techniques described here should be done with careful consideration of one’s own abilities.
These articles assume that the tasks will be performed by individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to use the required tools safely, without risking harm to themselves, others, or property.
Therefore, the owners of this site cannot be held responsible for any direct or indirect damages resulting from the application of the content found here.
Before undertaking any DIY activity, it is strongly recommended to read the Safety Notice, which provide a basic (though non-exhaustive) list of precautions to follow.

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