This video and tip is by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft. It’s a smart, no-fuss method for installing cabinet handles and pulls using only basic tools and a few scraps of plywood.
Jodee shares a simple technique for hand-laying drawer pulls and building a quick jig for cabinet doors. This is especially useful for small or one-time cabinet projects where buying an expensive commercial jig isn’t worth the investment.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Jodee’s channel:
Planning the Installation
Before drilling any holes, the layout and orientation of each cabinet pull or knob must be carefully planned. Jodee walks through his thought process, starting with whether the handles should be centered or placed closer to the top of the drawer face.
For his own shop cabinet build, he chose to center the pulls for a clean, symmetrical look. To protect the surface during layout and drilling, he applies painter’s tape to each drawer front.
Laying Out Drawer Pulls by Hand
Rather than using a jig for just a few drawers, Jodee shows how to measure and mark everything by hand. First, he measures the drawer face to find its horizontal center.
Then, he decides on the vertical placement—typically centered vertically, though this can vary based on personal preference. He marks the center on the painter’s tape and uses the pull itself to establish the correct spacing between holes.
By folding a piece of tape with hole marks made directly from the hardware, he transfers the spacing to the drawer face. This method is fast, intuitive, and surprisingly accurate for small to medium jobs.
Tips for Accurate Marking and Drilling
Jodee shares several tricks that improve accuracy without needing expensive tools. He recommends always using the actual hardware as a reference rather than relying only on manufacturer specs.
Placing scrap wood behind the drawer face during drilling helps prevent tear-out on the back side. Holding the drill perpendicular is also crucial, so the screws and handles align properly during installation.
If marking or holding is tricky, clamps can stabilize the workpiece. These small steps save time in the long run and reduce the risk of mistakes.
Making a Simple Jig for Cabinet Doors
For cabinet doors—especially when you have multiple with identical hardware—a jig becomes more efficient. Jodee builds his using scrap plywood, some CA glue, and a few accurate reference points.
He starts by marking the bottom edge and outside face of the cabinet door. Then, using a combination square, he establishes the vertical and horizontal spacing based on the handle’s design.
Pilot holes are drilled into the jig, matching the hole spacing on the hardware. The jig is then assembled with scrap pieces that hold the cabinet door in place for consistent, repeatable results.
Using the Jig Effectively
Once built, the jig makes installing hardware on multiple cabinet doors faster and more accurate. Jodee shows how to align the jig to the door’s edge and clamp it in place for drilling.
Because the handle screw holes are drilled in the jig itself, there’s no guesswork. Each door can be prepped quickly with little risk of alignment issues or crooked handles.
The jig only works for handles of the same size and spacing, but for projects with uniform hardware, it’s an ideal solution. It’s also a great way to use up leftover plywood from other builds.
Why This Method Works
Jodee’s system is perfect for small cabinet jobs where investing in a commercial jig doesn’t make sense. His drawer layout technique uses just a tape measure, painter’s tape, and the hardware itself.
The cabinet door jig is a fast build, and it helps avoid repeating measurements or making costly drilling errors. It strikes a good balance between cost, efficiency, and accuracy.
This approach is especially helpful for woodworkers doing a one-time install or working with a limited budget. It eliminates the need for learning complex jig systems or spending extra money on tools you may not use again.
How It Compares to Store-Bought Options
Many commercial cabinet hardware jigs offer adjustable spacing and built-in measurement scales. They’re great for professionals or high-volume work but can be overkill for a single cabinet project.
Jodee’s homemade jig and hand layout method accomplish the same goal with a few scraps and some care. It also lets you customize the jig to your specific hardware, which isn’t always possible with off-the-shelf options.
For anyone building shop cabinets, updating kitchen doors, or working on custom furniture, this method makes the installation approachable. It’s accurate, inexpensive, and easy to repeat.
Final Thoughts
Installing cabinet hardware doesn’t have to be complicated. With careful planning, a few basic tools, and a couple of shop tricks, you can get professional results without buying any extra equipment.
Using painter’s tape, marking directly with the hardware, and making a simple jig for repetitive jobs simplifies the process. Jodee’s clear, methodical approach is a great example of how to think through each step and avoid common pitfalls.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.