Cabinet and Countertop Toolkit

Just as with any other home improvement project, when working on cabinets or countertops you will need to make sure that you have the proper tools. Having the proper cabinet and countertop toolkit ready to go will not only save you time, but can also save you money from any costly mistakes that you may experience. Here are all the tools that you should have on hand, and ready to go, when you begin working on any cabinet and countertops repairs or project. Simply put, here is the basic cabinet and countertop tool kit that you should have.

• Utility knife. Useful tool for cutting and sizing down small items.
• Framing square. Utilized for drawing right angles, and ensuring that you get any framing done correctly.
• Line level. Ideally, this tool is used to help you draw small straight lines that will be level, or to check smaller areas or items and ensure that they are level.
• Level. Used in the same manner as a line level, but only on a larger scale or where there is less of a area constraint.
• Countersink bit. Simply put, a countersink drill bit is what you use to help prepare a hole for a countersink screw. This is different from a regular screw hole since the hole will have a conical shape near the surface.
• Circular saw. Great tool used to help rip and cut wood for framing to the proper size.
• Paint brushes. Once you have your cabinets installed, you will need to seal them or even paint them. To do that you will need paint brushes.
• Tape measure. Tools used to ensure that you have the proper measurements and proportions when cutting wood, or finding the proper countertops.
• Router. Great tool that you can use to help cut grooves into the wood that you are working for your counters or cabinets.
• Nail set. Typically these are a series of tools that have a narrow point, and a larger head that you use to ensure nails getting nailed below the surface of the wood.
• Ear protection. It can get very loud when working on cabinets and countertops, be sure that you protect your ears properly.
• Coping saw. A coping saw is used to help cut curves into small pieces of wood, and can be ideal for adding the finishing touch to your counters or cabinets.
• Chalkline. If you want to make sure that you are working on a straight line, then you will need to make sure that you have one of these tools. It is the best way to draw a straight, semi-permanent line that you can use as a guide.
• Stud finder. If you are working on a finished wall to replace your existing cabinets, then you will need to know where the studs are.
• Pry bars. Always a necessity for when you begin doing any demolition work.
• Miter box. A necessity when working with small pieces of lumber that need to be cut at an angle. A miter box is a guide that you can use to help ensure that your hand saw is cutting at the correct angle.
• Backsaw. Perfect tool for cutting small pieces of lumber.
• Clamp. When you begin working with cabinets and countertops you will sometimes need to glue things down. A clamp is the perfect way to hold wood in place when you are doing this or other projects.
• Dead-blow hammer. Countertops and cabinets can often be delicate surfaces. Minimize the damage that you may potentially cause by using one of these tools.
• Hole saw. Whether you are cutting a small hole for a drain, or possibly for some cables to run through, a hole saw will help ensure that you get a perfectly round circular cut.
• Plumb bob. When framing something, you often need to know what is a straight up and down. The best way to figure that is by using a plumb bob in conjunction with a chalk line.
• Safety glasses. As you cut wood dust and grit can get everywhere. Be sure that you are protecting your eyes from possible damage by using some safety glasses.
• Belt sander. Once you have the wood cut to size, or you need to strip some previous painting or staining, you are going to need a belt sander. This tool invariably makes your life a whole lot easier.
• Pneumatic power nailer. It can be physically demanding to drive nails in all day, even if you are simply replacing some cabinets. Reduce some of that work with the help of this tool.
• Cabinet template. A great guide that you can use to ensure that you have your handles situated perfectly on your cabinetry.
• Combination square. Combination squares are a great tool to use when you need to have perfectly straight right angles for a variety of lumber sizes.
• Power mitersaw. If you need to cut large pieces of lumber into different angles, then the best possible tool to use will be a power mitersaw.
• Screwdrivers. It is often a lot easier to tighten the handles of your cabinets, or the door hinges, by using a simple screwdriver. These are the perfect tool to use when you cannot fit a drill into the area.
• Caulking gun. After you lay a countertop, you will need to lay a sink. Make sure that you have the pipes and sink properly sealed with the help of a caulking gun.
• Compass. A compass can help you determine the proper sized hole for your drain, cable ports, and similar circular hole needs.
• Dust mask. It gets very dusty when cutting wood, and the best way to keep from inhaling that dust is by using a dust mask. In addition, a dust mask can also offer some protection against toxic fumes of painting or sealing the cabinetry.
• Drill bits. Used to create holes for screws, or even to screw pieces of lumber together. Be sure that you have a complete set prior to beginning work.
• Drill. Used to drill holes, drive screws, or cut large circular holes, a drill is a useful and necessary tool.