Misaligned measurements are the biggest disasters when you install cabinets, but we all know that a good cabinet hardware jig is the key to an accurate installation. The real problem is, where can you find these quality tools if you’re a DIY newbie?
Let our resident cabinet makers introduce reliable cabinet jigs that’ll surely give you ease when installing cabinet hardware.
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 us the most.
What We Like
- Accurate measurement when you drill holes
- Best cabinet jig for beginners and casual workers
- More affordable than other cabinet jig options
- Fast setups and easier to use
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for a bigger cabinet installation
- Drill bit not included in the purchase
2. The Original Cabinet Hardware Jig
If budget isn’t a concern, our team urges 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, you can continue working on handles on the opposite side of the cabinet door. As expected from a top model from True Position Tools, zero wobbles were produced when our testers tried using it to install cabinet hardware. Markings were easy to spot as well with this cabinet jig, so our overall experience was marvelous.
What We Like
- Suits cabinet handles and odd-sized cabinet hardware
- Deluxe drawer pull jig for small to mid cabinet installations
- Includes reversible cabinet hardware jig features
- Made by a refutable cabinet jig manufacturer
What We Don’t Like
- Higher price than other cabinet hardware jigs
- May require extender for longer hardware jig tasks
3. ASCENDONS Cabinet Hardware Jig
Another affordable option we bumped into during the tests is ASCENDONS Cabinet Hardware Jig. Equipped with pre-drilled holes, we 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 We Like
- Low-cost cabinet handle jig
- Highly accurate drawer front template
- Made of durable stainless steel material
- Portable and can be folded to fit a storage bag
What We Don’t Like
- Has plastic components that are not hardwearing
- More suited for tasks involving 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 we 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, we 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 We Like
- Non-fade ruler measurement markings
- Versatile design suited for cabinet pin holes
- Includes a warranty and 60-day return policy
What We Don’t Like
- Not as affordable as other drawer slide jig
- Warranty and return guaranty may vary
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 we 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.
You can use Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig in both single and multi-hole mounts, thanks to its versatile hubs. Because it removes all the guesswork, we consider it a beginner-friendly cabinet hardware jig.
Kreg jig is also made of polymer material, so some may argue that it’s excessively light. However, this characteristic can be a perk, especially with different cabinet carpentry activities.
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What We Like
- Best suited for installing knobs and drawer fronts
- Has a reliable and adjustable drill guide
- Lightweight and versatile construction
What We Don’t Like
- Must be handled with care for longer usage
- Should be stored carefully to avoid damage
6. YIZRIO Cabinet Hardware Jig
One of the most distinct and best cabinet hardware jigs we 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.
This jig’s layout gave us accurate hole positions perfect for drilling cabinet door, handle, and knob. Upon closer look, we noticed that it also includes L-brackets and screws on top to keep the jig intact with the workpiece.
On top of that, there are massive thumbscrew locks located in front to keep the jig in a vertical position.
What We Like
- Affordable and user-friendly cabinet hardware jig
- Simple construction and less setup time
- Durable and secure design for easy usage
What We Don’t Like
- Drill bit kits not included
- Cabinet Jig availability may vary
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, our team 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 We Like
- Easy to use measurement markings
- Budget-friendly cabinet hardware jig tool
- High-quality and durable exterior design
- Suitable for cabinet hardware jig beginners
What We Don’t Like
- Sharp corners that must be handled carefully
- More suitable for beginner tasks
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 we 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 you check out cabinet hardware jig reviews, one of the first things our team advises you to look for is the material used to construct the jig. Admit it or not, you wouldn’t want to waste your time and money using a tool that won’t last long.
It all boils down to how frequently you will be using the jig. If you’re a casual or professional woodworker, it’s not a good idea to go for ones with plastic construction. Contrary to common beliefs, cabinetry isn’t easy, so the jig material has to be hard-wearing.
Some options we 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.
We included some of them in the roundup above, and our testers 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.
If you want to keep the perks of your warranty, our tool experts recommend only buying from the official brand store or their authorized sellers. If not, the worst-case scenario is you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the warranty policy to its fullest capacity.
Purpose/Projects
The main purpose of a cabinet hardware jig is to make cabinetry tasks faster and easier. With this tool, the guesswork of where to drill holes for the placement of cabinets is removed from the equation. Instead, the jig will serve as a guide that you can set up once to have a uniform layout for all your drilling activities.
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 we 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.
The jig tool you’ll be choosing should also be able to adapt to any type of project. It doesn’t matter how oddly shaped the cabinets are; the jig must fit into its shape to guide the drill during 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, we’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.
Our Top Pick For a Cabinet Hardware Jig:
Tourace Cabinet Hardware Jigs
After listing down all the high-demand options in the market, our resident woodworkers chose Tourace Cabinet Hardware Jigs as our top pick in this roundup. Apart from its durable construction that can bear hard-wearing tasks, its user-friendliness and easy setup led us to conclude that it’s the best cabinet hardware jig out of the seven contenders we chose.
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