Cabinet, Counters, and Storage Tool Kit

Installing, repairing, or otherwise working on cabinets, counters, and other storage items can be a fairly large project. However, just because it is large doesn't mean that you cannot take care of it yourself. As long as you have the right tools, the right materials, and the patience to get the job done, anyone can install their own cabinetry. While we cannot provide the right materials, or the patience, we can provide a list of the right tools. Below is a list of the basic tools that you should have in your cabinet, counters, and storage tool kit. With these tools on hand, you should be able to accomplish just about any cabinetry related task.

• Backsaw. This is typically viewed as your traditional handsaw, and can be used to help trim materials as needed. Ideally, this type of saw is used for any delicate work that needs to be accomplished.
• Utility knife. Great general tool that can be used to cut any materials that may be needed.
• Clamp. Clamps are useful items when working on carpentry projects. These tools can help hold things in place long enough for any adhesive that you may be using to create a firm bond.
• Saber saw. A saber saw is a great power tool that you can use to help cut through, and trim down a large variety of materials. That being said, avoid using saber saws on any type of masonry, or you could end up damaging the blade, unless you use a specialized blade for cutting through stone.
• Dead-blow hammer. When installing any type of cabinetry, or countertop you want to be careful in the final stages. The best way that you can nudge things into place, without accidentally damaging the materials themselves.
• Paintbrushes. Most cabinets and storage items will need to be painted when you have finished installing them. The best way that you can do that is by using a few paintbrushes.
• Framing square. Framing squares are useful items when working with any type of wood project. They can help you make certain that all corners are at the necessary 90 degrees, and that everything is nice and plumb.
• Hole saw. Often times you will need to make a circular hole in a countertop, or even in the back of a cabinet. A hole saw can help you ensure that you can a perfectly round hold cut into that material. Best of all, these items work in conjunction with your drill.
• Plumb bob. It can be difficult to figure out where the bottom part of a counter should be in relation to the top cabinets. That is where a plumb bob can come into play. With a plumb bob, you can be guaranteed that you will have a perfectly straight, and positioned base to any cabinet.
• Countersink bit. A great tool that is used to enlarge the top part of any hole.
• Circular saw. A power tool that is used to cut, or rip, large sections of materials. While it is more ideally suited to work with wood, there are other types of blades that can be used on other materials.
• Safety glasses. A necessary safety precaution that should always be employed when working with power tools. This item will help prevent any dust, dirt, or debris from flying into your eyes and causing damage.
• Tape measure. You will need to know how long some items are before you begin cutting, and that is where a tape measure will come into play.
• Belt sander. Once you have your materials assembled, you will need to do a little bit of sanding. The best way to get this done is to use a belt sander.
• Pry bars. Often you will need to do a little bit of demolition work before you can actually begin. When faced with something like that, pry bars are one of the best tools that you can use to get the job done.
• Claw hammer. Whether you are doing demolition work, or nailing some things together there couldn't be a better tool to use that a good old fashioned claw hammer.
• Router. Routers are great tools to use if you need to carve some grooves into your materials, or even to do some designs.
• Drill. Drills are great multipurpose tools. They can be used to help screw items together, or drill some guide holes.
• Nail set. If you want to pre-mark some nail holes, or where you want to place some screws then a nail set will help you out with that.
• Level. Before you finish your project, you will want to make sure that everything is nice and level.
• Ear protection. It can be pretty noisy working with power tools, and loud noises can damage your ears. Use some ear protection when working with things like a circular saw, or power miter.
• Pneumatic power nailer. Unless you have the strength of Popeye, it can be pretty tiring to drive nails repeatedly. One way to cut down that stress, and to help the project move a little faster is to use a pneumatic power nailer.
• Coping saw. Coping saws are useful for making extremely fine detail cuts on your materials. Be careful when you do this though, since the blade is rather fragile.
• Chalk line. It can be a pain to hand draw a straight line, particularly over large distances. Use a chalk line to help ensure that you have a straight line.
• Sawhorse. You never want to cut things on the ground. Rather you should use a saw horse to place the materials on so that you can begin cutting.
• Stud finder. Unless you are going to be completely removing the wall, you will need to find some studs to anchor the cabinets to. This is an easy job to do if you have a stud finder on hand.
• Cabinet template. It can be fairly difficult to figure out where you should put your cabinet hardware. If you have a cabinet template then the job isn't difficult at all.
• Miter box. A miter box is basically a box that will allow you to cut wood or other materials at a variety of different angles. In effect, it will help guide the saw to make the proper cuts.
• Combination square. Great for detailed work, a combination square will allow you to make small lines and ensure that they are straight and level at the same time.
• Dust mask. It can be dusty work to get your cabinets, counters, or storage items installed. Protect your lungs by using a dust mask.
• Compass. Before you can begin using a hole saw, you should always use a compass to create the template for the hole you are cutting.
• Line level. A line level is a great tool to use to make sure that you have your predrawn lines nice and level before you begin doing any major construction.
• Caulking gun. When installing things like countertops, you will also be installing some sinks, or other plumbing. Make sure that you protect everything by using a caulking gun to administer the caulking. In addition, you can also use a caulking gun to apply things like construction adhesive.
• Screwdrivers. It can be a little bit difficult to attach things like the hardware for your cabinets if you don't use some screwdrivers. Make sure that you have a complete set before you begin working.
• Power mitersaw. Like the miter box, the power mitersaw will do the same thing. The main difference is that this tool is a combination of both a circular saw and a miter box.