When I’m installing cabinets, the biggest disaster I face is misaligned measurements. I’ve learned over the years that a top-notch cabinet hardware jig is essential for precise installation.
Now, if you’re new to the DIY scene, you might be wondering where to find these quality tools. Let me share with you some reliable cabinet jigs that have made my installations a breeze.
Reviews of the Top Cabinet Hardware Jigs
1. Tourace Cabinet Hardware Jigs
Aside from using the right plywood grade for cabinets, installing kitchen drawers, cabinet doors, and knobs were made easier thanks to Tourace Cabinet Jig. It has adjustable guides that offer precise measurements for drilling holes, which we highly recommend for beginners.
Unlike generic cabinet jigs, this jig tool can install hardware ten times faster. If you’re a casual woodworker that takes on home improvement projects frequently, this tool will suit you the best. Despite its lower price, its aluminum alloy material adds a layer of durability.
It also operates with an intuitive design, elevating the construction’s convenience to the next level. During the hardware installation tests, the precise measurement produced by this cabinet jig delighted me the most.
What I Like
- The jig offers accurate measurements when drilling holes.
- This is one of the best cabinet jigs for beginners and casual workers.
- It's more affordable compared to other cabinet jig options available.
- I've found that the setups are quick and the jig itself is easy to use.
What I Don’t Like
- It may not be suitable for larger cabinet installations, based on my experience.
- Something to consider is that the drill bit is not included in the purchase.
2. The Original Cabinet Hardware Jig
If budget isn’t a concern, I urge you to get premium options like The Original Cabinet Jigs manufactured by True Position Tools. While it’s not the most affordable product to assist you with cabinet knobs placement or cabinet pulls installation, this is the only tool on the list with reversible features.
With just one flip, I can effortlessly work on handles on the opposite side of the cabinet door. As I’ve come to expect from top models by True Position Tools, I experienced zero wobbles when I used it to install cabinet hardware. The markings on this jig were clear and easy to spot, making my overall experience truly outstanding.
What I Like
- The jig is versatile, suiting both cabinet handles and even those odd-sized cabinet hardware pieces.
- It's a deluxe drawer pull jig that works perfectly for small to mid-sized cabinet installations.
- It comes with some reversible features.
- It's crafted by a manufacturer well-regarded in the cabinet jig industry.
What I Don’t Like
- It's priced a bit higher compared to other cabinet hardware jigs I've come across.
- For longer hardware jig tasks, an extender might be necessary.
3. ASCENDONS Cabinet Hardware Jig
Another affordable option I bumped into during the tests is ASCENDONS Cabinet Hardware Jig. Equipped with pre-drilled holes, I had a quicker time fastening drill bit into the material.
If you’re doing small drawer pulls, this is the right cabinet jig to consider. Its multi-purpose installation layout with brackets and screws will secure your workpiece together during the drilling operations.
Besides that, ASCENDONS Cabinet Hardware Jig is designed with 5 mm steel that keeps it sturdy with zero wobbling for utmost accuracy. It can be set to any length through drill sliders as well.
What I Like
- It's an affordable option for a cabinet handle jig.
- The drawer front template is impressively accurate.
- I'm a fan of its durable stainless steel construction.
- Its portability is a plus, and I love that it can be folded to fit into a storage bag.
What I Don’t Like
- Some of its plastic components don't seem as durable as I'd prefer.
- It's primarily more suited for tasks revolving around cabinet handles.
4. True Position Tools TP-1935 Cabinet Hardware Jig
Many people say brand reputation is crucial for loyal customers [1], which is why I came back to try out yet another True Position Tools TP-1935 Jig. More pricey than the previous Original Cabinet Hardware Jig model, there’s no surprise that it has more versatility with the ability to fasten shelf-pin holes sized 32mm.
At first glance, I can tell that this is a premium jig because no part of it was made out of plastic. The rulers were laser-engraved, so rest easy that the markings in this cabinet hardware jig won’t fade for years to come.
What I Like
- The ruler measurement markings that don't fade over time.
- Its versatile design, especially suitable for cabinet pin holes.
- The inclusion of a warranty and a 60-day return policy is reassuring.
What I Don’t Like
- It's not as budget-friendly compared to some other drawer slide jigs I've seen.
- The warranty and return guarantee can be inconsistent.
5. Kreg Tool Company KHI-PULL Cabinet Hardware Jig
Looking for a decent jig for under thirty bucks? It sounds like Kreg Tool Company KHI-PULL Cabinet Hardware Jig is the best suggestion I can give to you. Lower price means it’s not the most durable out of all the options here, but it has an adjustable edge guide enough to make your cabinetry tasks easier.
I often use the Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig for both single and multi-hole mounts because of its versatile hubs. It’s a game-changer since it takes all the guesswork out, making it a fantastic choice for those just starting out.
The Kreg jig is made of polymer material, and while some might say it feels a bit light, I’ve found that this can actually be an advantage in various cabinet carpentry tasks.
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What I Like
- It's ideal for installing knobs and drawer fronts.
- The drill guide is not only reliable but also adjustable.
- I'm impressed by its lightweight and versatile build.
What I Don’t Like
- It needs gentle handling to ensure its longevity.
- Proper storage is crucial to prevent any potential damage.
6. YIZRIO Cabinet Hardware Jig
One of the most distinct and best cabinet hardware jigs I tested in this list is, without a doubt, YIZRIO Cabinet Hardware Jig. It was a support tool that you only have to set up once, and you can continue to use it without repeating the measurements.
The layout of this jig allowed me to achieve spot-on hole positions, ideal for drilling cabinet doors, handles, and knobs. Taking a closer look, I observed that it comes equipped with L-brackets and screws on top, ensuring the jig stays securely attached to the workpiece.
Moreover, there are substantial thumbscrew locks positioned at the front, which help in maintaining the jig in a vertical stance.
What I Like
- It's an affordable and user-friendly cabinet hardware jig.
- I appreciate its straightforward construction, which means less setup time for me.
- Its durable and secure design makes using it a breeze.
What I Don’t Like
- Unfortunately, drill bit kits don't come included.
- Availability of this particular cabinet jig can be hit or miss.
7. Valiant Cabinet Hardware Jig
The best cabinet hardware jig isn’t always affordable, but Valiant proved that price doesn’t always determine the quality of a product. Constructed with aluminum alloy, rest assured that this cabinet jig can deliver its purpose for years to come without getting damaged easily.
While drilling holes for the drawer pulls and door hinge plates, I noticed that the Valiant Cabinet Hardware Jig’s markings were easy to read. Similar to using a tape measure, its surface indicates both centimeters and inches. Even if you’re a beginner, you can fasten thumb screws according to the measurement you did with the jig.
What I Like
- The measurement markings are straightforward and easy to use.
- It's a budget-friendly option among cabinet hardware jig tools.
- I'm impressed by its high-quality and durable exterior design.
- It's particularly accommodating for those just starting with cabinet hardware jigs.
What I Don’t Like
- It has sharp corners that require careful handling.
- It seems more geared towards tasks for beginners.
Cabinet Hardware Jigs Buyer’s Guide
Accuracy
When you drill holes for a cabinet placement, there’s no going back. With that being said, you have to check the level of accuracy your chosen jig offers. Now, how do you do that? The best cabinet hardware jig should be able to keep your drawers centered while you’re working with them.
On top of that, the handles must stay straight while the hardware used in every cabinet should be identical. As you may have noticed, most of the cabinet hardware jig reviews I included above have drill guides and steel-made bushings. These features ensure how accurate the hole locations will be once you drill them in place.
Material Quality and Durability
When I dive into cabinet hardware jig reviews, one of the first things I always emphasize is the material of the jig. Let’s be honest, no one wants to spend time and money on a tool that won’t stand the test of time.
Ultimately, it depends on how often you plan to use the jig. As someone who’s worked in woodworking, whether casually or professionally, I’d advise against opting for jigs with purely plastic construction. Despite what many might think, cabinetry is no walk in the park; you need a jig material that’s truly durable.
Some options I listed in this roundup may have plastic components, but their overall designs are made of aluminum or steel. But of course, the best cabinet hardware tool you can get will always be steel. However, expect these models to be in the higher pricing spectrum than the rest.
Price and Warranty
At the end of the day, the price of these cabinet hardware jigs depends on the material used in their design and their measurement features. You may find models that are extremely cheap, some around twenty bucks, but you have to be wary of their durability.
However, keep in mind that not all low-cost items have bad quality. These products just serve the purpose of short-term use, especially if you’re doing a one-time home remodeling.
On the other hand, most of the best cabinet hardware tools found in the higher pricing spectrum are made of steel construction. These jigs are priced over a hundred dollars, so expect these products to be high-quality and long-lasting.
I included some of them in the roundup above, and I noticed that most high-end options come from reputable brands with extensive industry experience.
As for the product warranty, don’t forget to check if your purchase includes them before proceeding to the checkout section. More often than not, the product has to be registered, so ensure that your purchase goes through that process.
To maintain the benefits of your warranty, I always recommend purchasing directly from the official brand store or their authorized sellers, based on my experience. If you don’t, you might find yourself unable to take full advantage of the warranty policy, and trust me, that’s not a situation you want to be in.
Purpose/Projects
A cabinet hardware jig is designed to streamline and simplify cabinetry tasks, making them faster and more efficient. Using this tool eliminates the need for guesswork when determining the precise location to drill holes for cabinet placement. The jig is a reliable guide, allowing you to set it up once and maintain a consistent layout for all your drilling activities. This saves time and ensures a uniform and professional finish for your cabinets.
No matter what kind of cabinet you’ll be working on whether you are planning to restore your kitchen cabinets, your jig should keep providing consistent hole placement for repeated accuracy.
If you’re installing handles and pull bars, the jigs I listed above are the best options you can consider. Depending on the length of the material you’ll be working on, these models come in different sizes and extensions.
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Ease of Use
Don’t forget that the accuracy of your jig also lies in how easy it is to use. After all, the main objective of this tool is ultimately to save time and avoid damaging the cabinets you’re working on with misaligned holes.
If a jig requires you to have ample measurements, it’s an easy sign of a low-quality product that’ll deliver less accuracy over time. The simpler its design, the better, especially if you’re a newbie trying to learn how to work a jig.
In my experience, the jig tool you choose should have the flexibility to adapt to any project. Regardless of how unconventional the cabinet shapes might be, the jig should seamlessly fit to guide the drill throughout the construction process.
Cabinet Hardware Jig or Cabinet Hardware Template?
It may appear confusing, but the difference between a hardware jig and a hardware template is their limitations. For example, most templates are made of plastic. Everyone knows that these materials aren’t suitable to use in the long run. And while it has holes to guide all the drilling, you can’t really use it when working on long handles.
Cabinet hardware jigs offer more accuracy than its alternative as they’re easier to use and to set up. There are also no limitations in terms of the project it can handle, for as long as its features can handle the task requirement.
The main perk of templates over jigs is the fact that these tools are priced lower. It can be enticing to some, especially for people with less budget to spare. However, these types of tools can’t be considered for extensive DIY projects or if you’re running your own woodworking shop. Overall, I’d still recommend cabinet hardware jigs if you want to get the best outcome and durability.
FAQ
What is the best material for a cabinet hardware jig?
The best material for a cabinet hardware jig is steel. It’s a no-brainer that steel-constructed tools will last longer than products that are made of aluminum or plastic. These jigs also tend to fade less, especially on the part of the measurement markings. Plastic material is completely out of the question if you’re dealing with some hard-wearing home improvement tasks.
What are the best drill bits to use for cabinet hardware?
If you’re using 8/32 inches screws, then the best drill bit to consider for cabinet hardware is sized around 3/16 inches. Typical cabinet knobs would come with #8 screws, so this drill measurement would allow the screw to fit into the hole without the hassle of being bound.
If you’re not familiar with these, the best you can consider is to ask around to avoid ruining the cabinet with miscalculated holes.
How much does a hardware jig cost?
The cost of a single hardware jig could range from twenty bucks to over a hundred bucks. Depending on its features, capacity, and material, the pricing of these types of tools could skyrocket.
Generally, the ones constructed with steel material are often priced higher than the models with plastic designs. The brand’s popularity and customer demand also highly contribute to how much it’ll cost in the market.
My Top Pick For a Cabinet Hardware Jig:
Tourace Cabinet Hardware Jigs
After listing down all the high-demand options in the market, I chose Tourace Cabinet Hardware Jigs as my top pick in this roundup. Apart from its durable construction that can bear hard-wearing tasks, its user-friendliness and easy setup led me to conclude that it’s the best cabinet hardware jig out of the seven contenders we chose.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
