Conclusion
I remember installing cabinets using a builders’ transit level and a helper to establish reference lines and grunting upper cabinets to the wall, and I can’t imagine returning to those days. Using the right tools, I even tackle some installs solo. For large kitchens, I work with another carpenter instead of a helper: While I’m working one bank of cabinets, he’s setting up another. I can’t say these tools eliminate an extra pair of hands for wrestling bases into place, but they definitely speed up the production of a delicate task and make cabinet installations more profitable.
Mike Guertin is a builder/remodeler in East Greenwich, R.I., and a member of Hanley-Wood’s JLC Live! and The Remodeler’s Show construction demonstration teams.
Sources of Supply:
Adjustable Clamp Co.
Pony Cabinet Claw #8510: $60 to $70
312-666-0640
www.adjustableclamp.com
E-Z Spread N’ Lift Industries
CabinetPro: $169
888-893-3001
www.e-zspreadnlift.com
FastCap
3rd Hand 4-10: $30
Little Hand HD: $25
888-443-3748
www.fastcap.com
Festool USA
CDD 12 FX drill: $395
TDD 12 FX drill: $395
eccentric and right-angle chucks: $70 each
888-337-8600
www.festool-usa.com
Johnson Level &Tool Mfg. Co.
spirit levels 9824-HH, 9848-HH, and 9872-HH: $23 to $60
262-242-1161
www.johnsonlevel.com
Laserjamb
LJ3-PRO: $199
888-443-3750
www.laserjamb.com
Practical Products Co.
AccuScribe AS-1: $12
800-847-8839
www.practicalprods.com
Stabila
33610: $219
800-869-7460
www.stabila.com
Telpro
GilLift: $595
800-448-0822
www.telproinc.com
Zircon
MultiScanner Pro SL: $50
800-245-9265
www.zircon.com