Cabinet Installation Tools

The right tools make installing cabinets so much easier.

Installing kitchen cabinets (or bathroom cabinets) can be labor intensive and frustrating, especially if you don't have all of your cabinet installation tools ready when you begin your project. Depending on the scope and size of your project, and the weight of the cabinets you are installing, there are lots of cabinet installation tools on the market that will make the task ahead a bit less daunting.

Other than basic tools like a hammer and stepladder, you should have the following cabinet installation tools on hand:

1. Cabinet jack. A must-have if you don't have a helper to install your cabinets (or a little luxury if you do). A cabinet jack will hold wall cabinets in place while they are being mounted. The best cabinet jacks easily adjust from 53" to 84", making it perfect for most standard size wall cabinets - and since most will accommodate up to 400 pounds, a cabinet jack is one of the all-around best cabinet installation tools. Mini cabinet jacks are also available and can save you a bit of cash. This type of cabinet jack sits on your base cabinet and adjusts from 15" to 24".

2. Cabinet claw frame clamps. One of the necessities when it comes to cabinet installation tools, a cabinet claw frame clamp has a screw on its side that hold the face frame together while a front screw lines them level, allowing you to just bore your pilot hole and install the screw through the clamp.

3. Stud finder or stud sensor. Cabinets can be very heavy, which means that they must be mounted wherever there are studs, especially upper cabinets that will typically hold heavy dinnerware and canned goods. A stud finder or stud sensor will help you locate the studs in your paneling, drywall, or plywood walls.

4. Countersink drill bit. Depending on the type of screw that you use, you may want to use a countersink drill bit to countersink the screws that are holding the cabinets together at the frame and also the screws that you used to mount the cabinets to the wall. Although not a necessity, counter sinking your screws will give you a more professional looking installation.

5. Spade bit set. A spade bit set with ½", ¾", and 1" bits will allow you to drill the wholes that you need for small water pipes or power cords that the cabinet must have.

6. Plumber's hole saw kit. Holes up to 2 ¼" wide (such as for drain pipes and dishwasher drain tubes) are best made with the plumber's hold saw kit.

7. Drill guide. Great for centering and aligning handles and knobs on doors and drawers.

8. Contractor's level. A good quality contractor's aluminum level (48") is crucial to getting your cabinets leveled up perfectly and just may be one of the most important cabinet installation tools in your toolbox.