Alignment pins (also called dowel pins or locating pins) are short, cylindrical metal or wooden pins used to position two workpieces relative to each other, either temporarily or permanently. They are inserted into pre-drilled holes and form a bridge between the two parts, ensuring they fall exactly into place during gluing or assembly.
Function of alignment pins
- Positioning — hold two workpieces in the correct position relative to each other
- Reinforcement — add extra strength to a glued joint
- Repeatability — guarantee that components return to the same position after disassembly and reassembly
Alignment pins vs. dowels vs. dowel centre points
| Tool | Material | Function |
|---|---|---|
| **Alignment pins** | Steel or brass | Positioning and reinforcing joints |
| **Dowels** | Wood (usually beech) | Permanent wood joint with glue |
| **Dowel centre points** | Steel with sharp point | Marking drill holes on the matching workpiece |
Applications
- Wood joints — when gluing panels or solid timber
- Metalwork — positioning metal plates for welding or bolting
- Furniture making — aligning tabletops, cabinet parts or shelves
- Restoration — rejoining broken or split timber parts
How to use alignment pins
- Drill holes in the first workpiece at the required positions
- Insert the alignment pins into the holes (halfway)
- Press the second workpiece against the protruding pins
- Check the alignment and apply glue
- Clamp the parts together and allow to cure
Common sizes
| Diameter | Length | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 6 mm | 30-50 mm | Thin boards, mouldings |
| 8 mm | 40-60 mm | Furniture making, cabinet doors |
| 10 mm | 50-80 mm | Heavy panels, worktops |
Related terms
- Dowel
- Dowel centre point
- Mortise-and-tenon joint
- Wood glue
- Butterfly key
- Dovetail joint