Best Cabinet Hardware Jig for Precision Fitting: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist
There is a terrifying moment in every joinery project: taking a drill to a perfectly finished, painted cabinet door to fit the handle. If you're off by even a millimetre, the mistake is glaring, and in the worst cases, the door is ruined. This is why a reliable cabinet hardware jig is one of the most valuable tools in my van.
Working on bespoke fitted wardrobes in York, where we often use premium hardwoods like Oak or specific moisture-resistant MDF for painted finishes, accuracy is paramount. Free-hand marking with a tape measure and pencil invites error, especially when you have twenty doors to do in a row.
In this review, I've selected three hardware jigs that range from a simple toolbox essential for hinges to a professional-grade system for repetitive handle drilling. Whether you are updating your own kitchen or tackling a bespoke wardrobe build, these tools help ensure your handles are level, centred, and consistent.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Quick Release / Tool-Free Adjustment"
"You can slide and lock the guides instantly with just your fingers for rapid setup."
On cheaper plastic jigs, 'finger-tight' often slips after a few holes. For reliable repetition, I always nip them up with pliers or a screwdriver to ensure they don't move mid-job.
The Spec: "Universal Fit"
"Works on any drawer or door size immediately."
Deep drawers or unusually wide bespoke doors (common in older York properties) verify the jig's maximum extension. Some basic jigs won't reach the centre of a 600mm wide drawer front.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Jig Template for Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom Cabinet Hinges and Mounting Plates
Gas N Pow3r
This is a simple, no-nonsense template specifically useful for hinges and mounting plates. Whilst primarily designed for setting out concealed hinges rather than external handles, its low price point makes it a handy 'get out of jail' card for your toolbox.
The Good
- Extremely affordable
- Compact size fits in a pocket
- Good for standardising hinge mounting plates
The Bad
- Plastic can wear over time with drill contact
- Not designed for long bar handles or drawers
- Limited versatility compared to adjustable jigs
Installer Tip:
Use masking tape to secure this template to the cabinet side before marking. Because it's small and light, it tends to shift easily if you just hold it with one hand.
Priced at £2.85 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonTrend Cabinet Hardware Drilling Jig, Assists in The Fast & Accurate Installation of Cabinetry Handles and Knobs, CAB/JIG/A
Trend
Trend is a brand that any serious UK joiner will recognise. This jig justifies its price through rigidity and precision. Unlike cheaper alternatives that flex, the Trend jig holds its settings firmly, making it safe to use on expensive bespoke doors where there is no room for error.
The Good
- Self-centring design saves calculation time
- Accommodates tall doors and wide drawers (up to 600mm)
- Hardened steel drilling guides prevent the hole from widening
The Bad
- Significantly more expensive than generic options
- Slightly bulkier to store
Installer Tip:
When using this for a full run of wardrobes, periodically check the locking mechanisms haven't vibrated loose. Also, place a scrap block of timber behind the door where drilling through to prevent 'breakout' on the inside of your cabinet.
Priced at £35.29 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonAdjustable Cabinet Hardware Jig Template Quick Release Punch Locator Drill Guide Kit
Your's Bath
This stainless steel jig is excellent for solving the problem of varying handle sizes. If you are fitting handles with unusual pitch (screw distance) or need to replicate a specific pattern across many drawer fronts, this fully adjustable kit allows for high customisation at a reasonable price.
The Good
- Highly adjustable for any handle pitch
- Includes a centre punch for accurate starting
- Stainless steel ruler adds durability
The Bad
- Many moving parts mean more points of potential failure/slippage
- Setup takes longer than fixed jigs
- Plastic sliders are not as rigid as the Trend option
Installer Tip:
The thumb screws on these generic jigs can sometimes slip under the vibration of drilling. I recommend setting your measurement, then applying a small piece of masking tape over the slider or tightening with pliers (gently) to ensure the jig stays true for the 10th door, not just the first.
Priced at £9.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Why use a jig instead of just measuring?
Can I use these jigs on any type of wood?
How do I centre a handle on a drawer front?
What if my cabinet doors are non-standard sizes?
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