Panel Pins

About Panel Pins

Panel pins are specialised fasteners designed for discreet fixing applications where a minimal visual footprint is essential. These fine-gauge pins are typically headless or feature an extremely small head, making them ideal for delicate joinery, finishing work, and applications where the fastener needs to be virtually invisible. When used with modern pin nailers or pneumatic nail guns, panel pins provide quick, efficient fixing for materials such as veneers, laminates, upholstery, mouldings, and cabinet backing panels. The 23-gauge variety represents the finest option available, offering maximum discretion whilst maintaining sufficient holding power for lightweight applications.

Tooled-Up.com stocks panel pins from leading manufacturers including Makita and DeWalt, ensuring professional tradespeople and serious DIY enthusiasts have access to quality fasteners that deliver consistent performance. These pins are manufactured to precise tolerances, with options including bright finish steel for interior applications and stainless steel variants for external use or environments where rust resistance is paramount. The smooth shank design allows for clean penetration without splitting delicate materials, whilst the symmetrical head geometry ensures reliable feeding through pin nailer magazines and optimal driving performance.

Available in various lengths to suit different material thicknesses and applications, panel pins eliminate the need for hammer finishing and reduce the risk of surface damage that can occur with traditional pinning methods. The headless design means that in many applications, no filling or touch-up work is required, saving considerable time on finishing tasks and delivering a professional result with minimal effort.

Jargon Buster

23 Gauge

Refers to the wire thickness of the pin, with 23 gauge being extremely fine (approximately 0.6mm diameter). This is the thinnest gauge commonly available for pneumatic fastening, offering the most discreet fixing option.

Headless Pins

Fasteners without a traditional nail head, leaving virtually no visible mark once driven. The pin sits flush or slightly below the material surface, eliminating the need for filling in most applications.

Smooth Shank

A pin shaft without rings or grooves, designed for clean penetration through delicate materials without causing splits or surface damage. Provides adequate holding power for lightweight applications.

Bright Finish

Standard steel finish without additional coating, suitable for interior applications where moisture exposure is minimal. More economical than galvanised or stainless options.

Stainless Steel Pins

Corrosion-resistant fasteners manufactured from stainless steel alloy, essential for external applications, marine environments, or any situation where rust staining would be problematic.

Pin Nailer

A specialist pneumatic or cordless tool designed to drive fine-gauge pins. These tools operate at lower pressures than standard brad nailers and feature narrow noses for precision placement.

Who Uses Panel Pins?

• Cabinet Makers and Furniture Manufacturers - For attaching backing panels, securing veneers, and assembling delicate joinery components
• Shopfitters and Exhibition Contractors - Fast, discreet fixing of display materials, signage, and temporary installations
• Kitchen Fitters - Securing decorative panels, plinths, and finishing trims without visible fixings
• Joiners and Carpenters - Installing architraves, beading, picture rails, and other mouldings where discretion is required
• Upholsterers - Fixing fabrics, hessian backing, and decorative trims to furniture frames
• Picture Framers - Assembling delicate mouldings and securing backing boards without surface damage
• Renovation Specialists - Working with antique furniture and period features where minimal intervention is essential
• DIY Enthusiasts - Tackling finishing projects that demand a professional, discrete fixing solution

How to Choose the Right Panel Pins

Material and Finish: Select bright finish steel pins for interior joinery and cabinet work where cost-effectiveness is important. Choose stainless steel variants from the Tooled-Up range for external applications, bathrooms, kitchens, or anywhere moisture exposure could cause rust staining. Stainless pins are essential for marine environments or high-humidity situations.

Gauge Selection: For panel pin applications, 23 gauge represents the standard choice, offering the finest profile for discrete fixing. This gauge is ideal for veneers, laminates, thin hardboards, and upholstery applications. The fine diameter minimises the risk of splitting even in delicate materials.

Length Considerations: Pin length should be approximately three times the thickness of the material being fixed. For securing 3mm veneer to a substrate, an 18-20mm pin would be appropriate. Always ensure sufficient penetration into the base material for adequate holding power, whilst avoiding breakthrough on the opposite side.

Compatibility: Verify that pins are compatible with your specific pin nailer model. Both Makita and DeWalt manufacture pins to precise specifications that work reliably with their respective tool ranges. Check the pin collation type (strip or coil) and magazine capacity to ensure proper feeding.

Application Environment: Consider the working environment and longevity requirements. Exhibition and temporary installations may use standard bright finish pins economically, whilst permanent external fixtures absolutely require stainless steel to prevent corrosion and staining over time.

Quantity Requirements: Panel pins are typically sold in boxes containing several thousand fasteners. Calculate your project requirements carefully, factoring in wastage and the advantages of having spares available for future work.

Popular Accessories

• Cordless Pin Nailers - Makita and DeWalt 23-gauge pin nailers for driving headless pins efficiently
• Air Compressors - For pneumatic pin nailers requiring compressed air operation on site
• Pneumatic Hoses and Fittings - Quality air delivery systems for reliable tool operation
• Safety Glasses - Essential eye protection when operating pin nailers
• Gas Fuel Cells and Batteries - Power sources for cordless nailer operation
• Work Benches and Assembly Tables - Stable surfaces for precision pinning work
• Wood Adhesives - PVA and specialist glues to work in conjunction with mechanical fixing
• Brad Nailers - Alternative fastening tools for slightly heavier gauge applications
• Tool Storage Solutions - Cases and organisers for fasteners and nailer equipment

Safety Information

When using pin nailers to drive panel pins, always wear appropriate eye protection as misfires or ricochets can occur. Ensure hearing protection is worn during extended use of pneumatic tools, and maintain proper ventilation when working in enclosed spaces. Never place hands or body parts in the potential firing path of the tool, and always disconnect the power source or air supply before clearing jams or performing maintenance.

Check that the work surface is secure and free from hidden obstructions that might cause deflection of pins. Be particularly cautious when working near edges where pins might exit unexpectedly. Ensure air compressors are operated within their specified duty cycle and that hoses are in good condition without leaks or damage. Follow HSE guidance regarding noise exposure limits during prolonged nailer use on site.

Store panel pins in a dry environment to prevent corrosion, even with stainless varieties, and keep fasteners away from children. When working with stainless steel pins in external applications, verify that all components including the substrate are compatible to prevent galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between panel pins and brad nails?
Panel pins are typically 23 gauge (approximately 0.6mm diameter) and often headless, making them the finest and most discreet fastening option. Brad nails are usually 18 gauge (approximately 1.2mm diameter) with a small head, offering greater holding power but leaving a more visible mark. Panel pins are ideal for delicate veneers and finishing work, whilst brads suit slightly heavier applications.

Can I use standard panel pins in exterior applications?
Standard bright finish panel pins are unsuitable for external use as they will rust quickly, causing staining and eventual failure. Always specify stainless steel panel pins for any exterior application, bathroom, kitchen, or high-humidity environment. The additional cost is justified by longevity and the prevention of unsightly rust marks on finished surfaces.

Do I need a special tool to use panel pins?
Whilst traditional panel pins can be hammered in place, the 23-gauge headless pins available at Tooled-Up.com are specifically designed for use with pin nailers. These specialist pneumatic or cordless tools deliver consistent driving depth and eliminate the risk of hammer damage to delicate surfaces. Manual installation of such fine-gauge pins is impractical and risks bending.

How do I calculate how many panel pins I need for a project?
As a general guide, space panel pins approximately 150-200mm apart for standard applications, with closer spacing (75-100mm) for edges and areas subject to stress. Calculate the linear meterage requiring fixing, divide by your spacing interval, and add 10-15% for wastage. For a cabinet back measuring 2 metres perimeter, you'd need approximately 16-20 pins at 150mm spacing.

Will panel pins split hardwood or delicate veneers?
The 23-gauge diameter of modern panel pins minimises splitting risk significantly compared to thicker fasteners. The smooth shank and symmetrical head geometry ensure clean penetration, whilst the headless design eliminates surface crushing. However, always position pins away from board edges (minimum 10mm) and avoid grain lines in solid timber to prevent any possibility of splitting in particularly delicate materials.