Best Cabinet Hardware Jigs (2021 Round-up Review)

Scott
| Last Updated: March 31, 2021

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If you’ve ever tried to add various cabinet hardware like knobs or pulls, you know that it can be a lot tougher job than one might think. 

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Whether you’re a pro or an amateur, here’s a list of the best cabinet hardware jigs.

Comparison Chart of the Cabinet Hardware Jigs

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • 8.75-inches tall and 12.5-inches wide
  • Included drill bit
  • Made from hardened aluminum
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews
  • Made from aluminum and ABS plastic
  • Weighs 1.22lbs
  • 3/16 drill bit holes
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews
  • Best for the Money
  • Metric and imperial measurement
  • Comes with a carrying case
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews
  • Best Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig
  • Adjustable guides
  • Weighs 0.6lbs
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews
  • Best Rockler Cabinet Hardware Jig
  • Offers multiple boring spaces
  • made from transparent reinforced plastic
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews

What Should I Look for When Buying a Cabinet Hardware Jig?

With most tools, you’ll find various options with different features. This goes for cabinet hardware jigs, as well. To find the perfect cabinet hardware jig there are a couple of things worth considering.

Construction

The first thing that catches the eye is the construction. And yes, this is the first thing that you need to keep in mind. As discussed earlier, there are plastic jigs that do a fantastic job and are very durable. But those made out of metal, or even better steel, will definitely be more durable. Carefully consider which material you want to go for.

Measurements

You may be fond of imperial measurements, or you might be a metric measurement connoisseur. Whatever the case, you’re probably going to need both scale markings for most purposes.

This is because instruction manuals come with different measurement types. So, instead of having to convert your measurements repeatedly, it’s best to get an imperial/metric hardware jig.

Other Hardware

Just because a jig is made out of a sturdy material doesn’t mean that it’s good. Hardware jigs are adjustable tools, meaning that other parts are equally as important as the main build material. Look for hard, metal adjustment knobs that won’t slip. The same goes for sliders and other cabinet hardware jig elements.

Review of the Best Cabinet Hardware Jigs

Okay, so, by now, you’ve probably realized that picking the perfect cabinet hardware jig for your needs is a bit more complicated than you might’ve expected.

Well, we’re here to make things easier for you, which is why we present you with the best cabinet hardware jigs on the market. You’ll definitely find the perfect one for your needs.

Best Overall:
True Position Cabinet Hardware Jig

PROS

  • Built to last
  • Very accurate and versatile
  • Lifetime warranty and USA built
  • Very precise – up to 0.0002” tolerance
  • Easy to use – significantly less stressful to use than some other models

CONS

  • It might scratch your cabinet if you don’t tape it up properly
  • Thumbscrews might need some tightening from time to time

Our Review

This one is the best overall choice for a reason – it does exactly what it’s supposed to do, and it does it exceptionally well. Some jigs are made to work with everything from doorknobs to cabinet pulls. The 1934 model has been designed specifically for handling cabinet knobs and pulls. This isn’t to say that you won’t be able to use it for your doorknobs, but it will do the cabinet knob/pull job immaculately.

There is the issue of potential scratches, but this is because it was built to be sturdy and stable. When you think about it, all you need to do is apply tape to the workpiece’s surface before drilling.

What Makes This Product Stand Out?

The 1934 model of the True Position jig is well-known for its ease of use. Although it’s a popular choice for many professionals, it’s built to be adjustable and straightforward in terms of use.

Runner-up:
Tourace Cabinet Hardware Jig

PROS

  • Three drill slider guides
  • Very inexpensive, simple and straightforward
  • Extremely accurate – among the most accurate on the market
  • Construction made out of aluminum alloy and plastic – light yet durable

CONS

  • Plastic ruler – you might want to switch to a metal one for durability

Our Review

Although the low price tag definitely has an emphasis on this cabinet hardware jig, it’s not all about affordability. This Tourace model is actually incredibly accurate. It’s even quoted among the best cabinet hardware jigs in that department. Then, there’s the aspect of ease of use. This one is by far the simplest one to operate and the easiest one to get the hang of.

Although the slider guides are made out of plastic, it’s high-quality ABS plastic. The same goes for the ruler, but you might want to consider getting a metal one. If not, swap it out for a new one once it wears out. It’s up to you.

What Makes This Product Stand Out?

Unlike the vast majority of cabinet hardware jigs, this Tourace model features three sliding guides, allowing for more versatility. This feature is also what makes this hardware jig among the most precise on the market.

Best for the Money:
ShineUs Cabinet Hardware Jig

PROS

  • Reversible fast drilling
  • Zipper case for storing
  • Particularly effective for quick installation and drilling
  • Made out of aluminum and ABS – almost indestructible
  • Quick-release block that makes the drill guide setup easy

CONS

  • Might not be the most precise model on the market

Our Review

If you’re looking for an absolutely professional and accurate hardware jig, perhaps you’re better off looking elsewhere. With that said, at this price point, you won’t find a better-built cabinet hardware jig. It might not be the easiest jig to use, but it’s definitely in the ballpark. What it does bring to the table is quick installation and reversible fast drilling. If you’re working on a DIY project and want to be done with it quickly, the ShineUs excels at the job.

What Makes This Product Stand Out?

There aren’t many cabinet hardware jigs out there that can do a precise job very quickly. This is where the ShineUs excels – it might not be the most accurate jig, but it will definitely do the job fast and provide as much precision as possible.

Best Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig:
Kreg Tool Company KHI-PULL

PROS

  • Perfectly accurate hole placement
  • Extremely durable, lightweight plastic build
  • Very easy to use, compact in size, and precise
  • Works brilliantly with both multi- and single-hole knobs

CONS

  • Metric measurements only
  •  Not for large-scale measures

Our Review

It’s very true that this jig is praised by many professionals, and not without reason. It’s accurate, lightweight, durable, and easy to handle. However, the professionals use this jig with others that can go with bigger measurements.

For most DIY, at-home purposes, the KHI-PULL will do a wonderful and efficient job. As a pro, get this jig only as an addition, not your primary cabinet hardware jig. Well, unless you’re only working with small scales, which is highly unlikely.

A big downside here is the lack of imperial measurements. This may not stop you from doing the necessary drilling, but it can be very annoying.

What Makes This Product Stand Out?

The KHI-PULL is particularly robust, which is definitely not a bad thing when it comes to the best cabinet hardware jigs. This means that it’s easy to use for the beginners and provides much relief with professionals who have a variety of cabinet hardware jigs in their arsenal.

Best Rockler Cabinet Hardware Jig:
Drawer Pull JIG IT

PROS

  • Very affordable
  • Highly tweakable and modifiable
  • Quick knob and pull installation
  • Made out of clear plastic material, which emphasizes ease of use

CONS

  • Not the most resilient model
  • Won’t work with large handles

Our Review

This Drawer model doesn’t pretend to be the most top-of-the-line product on the market. It’s very simple to use and offers a high degree of tweakability. Unfortunately, unless you do your own tweaks, you won’t be happy with the Pull JIG IT. However, making hand-made improvements is very easy and straightforward.

It isn’t the most resilient model on the market but, then again, it wasn’t built for heavy-weight professional use. It’s mostly aimed at DIY, at-home projects. Still, if you tweak it properly, you might find a use for it as a professional.

What Makes This Product Stand Out?

It may not sound like much, but the entire model is see-through. Sure, this doesn’t change anything regarding precision, but it sure makes aiming for those markings much, much easier. It’s a true wonder why there aren’t many jigs out there that are made out of a clear plastic material, like this one.

In summary, here are the best cabinet hardware jigs:

  1. Best Overall: True Position Cabinet Hardware Jig
  2. Runner-up: Tourace Cabinet Hardware Jig
  3. Best for the Money: ShineUs Cabinet Hardware Jig

What is the Cabinet Hardware Jig and What is it Used for?

Hardware jigs are tools used for installing cabinet knobs and pulls. They come with built-in scales that are imperial, metric, or both. These scales help you reference the jig by positioning the fence at the edge of a particular workpiece.

You align the jig’s window using the designated centerline on the workpiece in question. For installing cabinet knobs, you’re going to use one drill guide. This is because knobs require only a single hole. For pulls, you’re going to need two evenly-spaced holes.

Hardware jigs have two guides, set at standard spacing. Thanks to the jig’s bushing, you can drill straight and avoid the inconveniences of manual drilling.

Are All Cabinet Hardware Jigs the Same?

Most commonly, you’ll find a T-shaped hardware jig, equipped with two rules that intersect and allow you to tweak the whole layout.

In most instances, hardware jigs are made of steel guide bushings and feature locking screws for durability and ease of use. However, in some cases, cabinet hardware jigs are made out of plastic. These are mostly used for smaller DIY projects and aren’t that durable.

Typically, if you’re looking to do an occasional DIY project using a cabinet hardware jig, you can go with the plastic one. However, if you require more professional or frequent use, maybe consider getting a steel one. Still, some plastic hardware jigs can last you a long time.

Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind

A hardware jig might look perfect on paper, but it may also hide some downsides that will completely ruin the entire experience for you. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when looking at the best cabinet hardware jigs for you.

Purpose

Before anything else, you need to consider what you’re going to use the cabinet hardware jig for. If you haven’t used this tool before, consider purchasing a cheaper model, even though it lacks in quality. Regardless of the build material, chances are that any jig you get is going to do great for the first couple of jobs.

With that said, the purpose consideration mostly pertains to other features of a jig. The less you plan on using it, the more important the other factors are, other than the build.

Size

If you get the best, most expensive 5” cabinet hardware jig on the market, you’re still not going to be able to deal with 8” pulls. The entire point of a cabinet hardware jig is being able to drill an accurate hole or holes for your cabinet.

If you need to use extra measuring tools with a 5” jig to drill holes for 8” pulls, that kind of defeats the purpose here. Pay attention to the size of the jig and to the needs of your project or projects.

Benefits of Investing in a Quality Cabinet Hardware Jig

Unsure whether to buy a cheap cabinet hardware jig or an expensive one? We personally prefer quality over budget here, so we tend to suggest investing in a jig that will get the job done for decades to come.

Durability

Quality tools will almost always last more than those of lower quality. It truly is as simple as that. If you get a no-name jig, don’t expect that you’ll be able to use it for long. In fact, low-quality jigs can easily crack or break during the first project that you work on. So, even if you plan on using a hardware jig on a single project, you’re better off borrowing a quality one from a friend than buying a no-name one.

Ruler Material

When investing in a hardware jig, pay attention to the ruler (if included). If it’s made out of cheap plastic, it will wear quickly. Quality jigs feature an aluminum ruler or one made out of durable plastic that will last you a while.

Ease of Use

A distinctive quality of the best cabinet hardware jigs is the ease of use. Although it might not seem that way, low-quality jigs are actually overly complex to use.

Conclusion

Pay attention to the outlined factors when shuffling through the potentially best cabinet hardware jigs for you. Find one that’s easy-to-use, made out of quality material, and pay attention to its size. Above everything else, keep in mind the project or projects that you’ll be using the jig for.

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