Sep 17, 2021 in Kitchen Remodeling

8 Tools You Need To Install New Cabinets

Now it’s time to install your new cabinetry! This step may take a few days or even weeks depending on how much material you have in stock. Whether you’re all about the DIY (do-it-yourself) mentality, or you’re intrigued and ready to take matters into your own hands at home, at Cabinet Select, we believe that quality cabinets require quality preparation. And whether that means hiring an expert or installation services to help you install or going through the steps on your own with an installation manual, everything starts with having the right tools.

Here are the common cabinet installation tools you need to install new cabinets (and why you need them):

The Top Tools You Need to Properly Install New Cabinets:

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Tape Measure

First thing first, you need to be able to measure your installation area, your cabinets, your boards and doors, the distance between cabinets, etc.

There are quite a few things that need accurate measurements, so whatever you don’t skip the tape measure! It would be best to get a 25-foot (or larger).

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Level (4’-6’)

Your level is what helps to make sure that all your cabinets are installed correctly. This is especially important if you are hanging your wall cabinets and they aren’t flush to the ground.

Levels come in a variety of sizes, so if possible, purchase one on the bigger side so that it can easily stretch between cabinets and help you create steady measurements. Although a small size one is just fine, it may not be as efficient when you’re working with large cabinets in large spaces.

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Cordless Drill/Driver

When it comes to moving around your space, reaching into cabinets and along with doors, and attaching cabinets to walls, having a cordless power drill is a must for efficiency and ease.

You’ll need a drill and driver bit, rechargeable batteries, and a charger, too, depending on how long you’ll be working at a given time. It may also be a good idea to get a separate drill and driver to avoid having to switch back and forth.

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Drill Bits

You’ll need two types of bits for cabinet installation. You’ll need bits for drilling holes and bits that countersink. (FYI: Countersink means drilling a hole that allows the screw’s surface to sit flush with a cabinet’s interior wall.

This is important because if a screw protrudes out, it can lessen the stability of the cabinets and cause items like cups, glassware, dishes, etc. to break if they accidentally bump the exposed screw.)

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Pencils

In order to hang your cabinets correctly, you need accurate measurements.

Pencils are great for making in-the-moment marks for where things are level, and even for writing down specific measurements on the walls as they can be easily erased later. A must for wall cabinet installation.

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Stud Finder

Because of how heavy cabinets are, proper installation involves anchoring the cabinets into studs so that they are stable, secure, and strong. In order to do this, you need a stud finder to avoid making unnecessary holes in the walls.

When you find the stud, it’s best to use a hammer and nail to find the middle (and mark this with a pencil). That way, you can ensure you’re anchoring the cabinet to the center of the stud as best as you can.

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Hammer

A hammer will come in handy for the demolition part of your project, attaching and removing a ledger board (which is recommended to help you support cabinets during installation), and any other miscellaneous tasks during the installation process.

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Clamps (8”+)

After you install your cabinets, you’ll want to hold them together while you measure, level, and make sure they are flush to the wall, counter, or floor. Clamps (at minimum 8-inch) can help you do this safely.

Other Materials You May Need:

• Circular Saw for any trimming or cutting
• Wood shims to make sure your cabinets are level
• Ledger Board for stability (recommended 1 x 2”)
• BONUS: Electronic Tape Measure
• Finishing nails (2.5”)
• Cabinet Screws

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Your Workspace

You may need to create or bring in a small workbench or create counter space to lay your materials on and/or organize your steps for a seamless installation. You can also use a bench or workspace to help keep track of smaller screws and bits (those are always getting lost!) or to keep any important materials or notes.

Depending on your install, your experience, or your specific home, you may need additional materials to install your cabinets. If you’re unsure, or if you just want someone on the Cabinet Select team to guide you through the process, we’d be happy to.
Contact us and we can identify all the tools you need to install new cabinets with ease and make your kitchen remodel process easier!

If you’re ready to renovate your kitchen, you can start by getting a free design consultation, read our guide on how to remodel a kitchen, how to be your own general contractor, how to install upper kitchen cabinets like a pro, and don’t miss our 15 best tips for remodeling your kitchen.