Tools for installing kitchen cabinets

[signcrafter]

I've installed a few sets and could install this set with the tools I have but I'm always looking for an excuse to pick up a few new tools! Plus when doing projects for the house I don't really get questioned about new tools. So looking for a list of tools to see if I'm missing anything or if there is something I don't know about in order to make installing cabinets easier. We are doing new cabinets, laminate counter tops, and tile backsplash so have some good opportunities to pick up some new tools.

 

[06 DIESEL]

The first thing I would buy is a 6' level and a laser level on a tripod. You should use an impacting drill driver for setting the screws. A stud finder would come in handy also. For the laminate top you will need a 7/16 wrench if there are any corners as well as a nice rubber dead blow hammer. Tile of course needs a tile saw, could also use a grinder with diamond blade or possible a rotozip for the outlets if you have any to cut around.

 

[raskal]

a few 24" clamp/spreaders. They hold the upper cabinet in place, while you align it. One thing you need a lot of to install cabinets is shims, a nice CNC mill would be my choice to make those

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Two awesome ways to hang upper cabinets. One is french cleats. If you are not comfortable with this way #2 is to draw layout on wall, come inside an inch or so, cut the 1/2" drywall out and replace with 1/2" plywood so you have constant backing and you are not trying to hunt down 16"OC studs when you have a 12" upper cabinet. If your ceiling is wavy, start at lowest point, and then trim out with 1/4 round or small crown-depending on type of cabinets.

Use screws, predrill, especially if MDF or similar.

Lower cabs: find highest point of concrete. Measure up wall there and snap level line. Shim other cabinets to that height. (French cleats can be used as well)

So, as mentioned, levels-6,4,2 ft plus torpedo, screws, impact, predrill bits, holesaws to drill holes for electrical and plumbing, shims, finish nails and gun for trim/toekick, clamps, jigsaw for any electrical outlets behind lower cabs-ie. outlet for garbage disposal, chalk line, mallet,

Also, try to shim top/middle/bottom- front/middle/back....more shims is more better.

Use clamps from cabinet to cabinet when installing them.

 

[06 DIESEL]

I have never installed cabinets with either a french cleat nor by cutting out drywall and replacing with plywood, nor would I. I did residential remodeling and have many dozens of kitchen remodels under my belt and now I have even more commercial cabinet installs under my belt. SoCal may require something different by code that I am not aware of though. If you ever change cabinets you have to patch drywall if they are not the exact same configuration, or they are off the wall farther with a french cleat.

It is not that hard to find the studs, and if the house was built with cabinets in mind you might have blocking installed already and make the install even easier.

 

[gte718p]

I've built 47 houses over the last fifteen years, I've never done a French cleat or replaced the drywall. All still standing as far as I know. I do like to install a 1x6 blocking behind by cabinets. I'll put two up about 16 inches apart to give a consistant area to screw into. I still try to hit studs whenever possible.

I did a French cleat hanging my cabinets in my garage. They are intentionally very high and it made hanging them and aligning them by myself a snap.

The only required tools are a level/straight edge and a screw driver. Other tools make life easier. A tape measure is your friend. Measure 5 times cut once. I wouldn't do it without my cordless driver. Clamps and shims are helpful for alignment. A plane is good for refining fit. If you don't know how to find studs a stud finder is useful, but not necessary. Rubber mallet for precision alignment. A helper/second set of hands is invaluable. If you are not good at lay out, especially of the cabinets are on different walls or span a corner the laser level is a cool tool.

 

[Steevo]

My best purchase ever for cabinet installation is a "Third Hand".

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...i_sku=156781&gclid=CMm6q9eh1LYCFUQ6QgodvHAAHQ

 

[BobKovacs]

Look at Festool's drills- especially the CXS. They're pricey, but they have some neat attachments, like a 90 degree head that comes in very handy, especially when you're trying to screw faceframes together on narrow cabinets.

 

[signcrafter]

a few 24" clamp/spreaders. They hold the upper cabinet in place, while you align it. One thing you need a lot of to install cabinets is shims, a nice CNC mill would be my choice to make those

I like the way you think! I don't think I can get her to agree to a CNC for making some shims but that would be nice. I think along the same lines and so far have got a set of durablock sanding blocks, lots of sandpaper, and some other things.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

yea..french cleats are not common, but FWIW...just to throw it out there. The french cleats I've seen only 3 master finish carpenters do. These are old school guys. It's a real bitchin' way to do it, but these have been in big money custom homes.

The thing with french cleats is the wall framing must be planed and trued. Then when the cabinets are set up in the shop on a build (read level, flat plane) they are secured and a french cleat is attached to all of them at once. Then the cleat is cut at each cabinet, that way they are all true to each other.

It is a very nice and sturdy way of hanging cabinets, but do to the time/cost factor it is a very rare thing to see it done.

There's more than 1 way to skin a cat. And like the other guys on here said, just hang them suckers.

 

[Monte]

Look at Festool's drills- especially the CXS. They're pricey, but they have some neat attachments, like a 90 degree head that comes in very handy, especially when you're trying to screw faceframes together on narrow cabinets.

this