Choosing the right cabinet hardware drilling template can speed up installations and improve accuracy. The following five products are designed to help precise hole centers for knobs, pulls, and handles on doors and drawers. Each option offers features like center punches, adjustable scales, and durable materials to reduce jig shake and misalignment. Below is a quick summary of the picks, followed by detailed overviews and a buying guide to compare their strengths.
| Product | Brand | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| King&Charles Cabinet Hardware Jig | King&Charles | Automatic center punch to avoid jig jitter |
| MeasurePro Cabinet Template Kit | MeasurePro | US-made, wide compatibility with standard spacings |
| Ravinte Cabinet Template Kit | Ravinte | Includes door and drawer drilling templates |
| Vicrays Cabinet Hardware Jig | vicrays | Premium CNC aluminum with durable bushings |
| King&Charles Center Punch Template | King&Charles | Transparent, thick template with center punch system |
King&Charles Cabinet Hardware Jig
The King&Charles jig focuses on reducing jitter during drilling by including an Automatic Center Punch. It guides hole locations for handles and pulls on drawers and doors, allowing the user to punch smaller holes before drilling larger ones. The kit emphasizes metric and imperial scales with a corrosion-resistant, durable construction. Detachable, portable design enables compact storage and easy transport, making it suitable for on-site work or shop use.
MeasurePro Cabinet Template Kit
MeasurePro offers a USA-made installation template set designed to cover multiple screw spacings for knobs and pulls. The kit includes two templates and a 3/16” drill bit, with compatibility for common center-to-center measurements like 2-1/2″, 3″, 3-3/4″, 4″, 5″, 6-1/4″, and metric sizes. The smoky, transparent plastic helps visualize marks and ensure accuracy before drilling. A durable build and original US patents add credibility for repeat use across projects.
Ravinte Cabinet Template Kit
Ravinte’s kit provides dedicated templates for doors and drawers, with a 3/16″ drill bit included. It targets common hole center measurements like 3″ (76mm), 3-3/4″ (96mm), and 5″ (128mm). The set advises customers to consult installation guides and measurement charts before use and highlights its applicability for handles with hole centers up to 5″. The kit is designed to streamline alignment for both cabinet doors and drawers in a single package.
Vicrays Cabinet Hardware Jig
Vicrays emphasizes precision with CNC-engineered capabilities and aircraft-grade aluminum construction. The jig includes corrosion-resistant materials, hard-wearing bushings, and a design that allows quick switching between right and left doors without recalibration. This template is engineered to save time on repeated installations, providing a robust option for high-volume or frequent remodeling tasks where consistent results matter.
King&Charles Center Punch Template
This King&Charles template focuses on a perfect match for hole alignment with an automatic center hole punch. It helps align cabinet pulls and use a center punch to mark holes before drilling. The kit is described as a complete system for installs, offering a transparent body for visibility and thicker construction to resist bending during use. The included center punch mechanism aims to streamline accuracy and efficiency in repeated applications.
King&Charles Aluminum Cabinet Jig
Another King&Charles option features all-aluminum construction for durability and precision. It emphasizes absence of plastic parts, aerospace-grade materials, and a design that resists wear even after many holes. The jig includes an automatic center punch to reduce drift when initiating holes, and detachable, portable sliders that split for compact travel storage. It remains a solid choice for professionals seeking long-term performance and repeatable accuracy.
Buying Guide
Key factors to consider when selecting a cabinet hardware drilling template:
- Compatibility: Ensure the template supports common hole spacing for your chosen knobs or pulls, including metric and imperial measurements.
- Centering aids: Look for center punches or guides that reduce jitter and help start holes without wandering.
- Material and durability: Aluminum and high-strength plastics offer longevity; avoid templates with flimsy parts for repeated use.
- Ease of use: Transparent templates with clear scale markings speed setup and reduce misalignment. Detachable components improve portability.
- Included accessories: Some kits include drill bits or mounting screws—verify what’s provided so you’re not surprised at install time.
- Scope of application: Decide if you need templates for doors, drawers, or both, and whether you require capability for multiple center-to-center spacings.
- Warranty and origin: Kits made in the USA or with clear documentation can offer better support and reliability for professional installers.
Comparison at a glance:
- Best for jitter control: Models with automatic center punches reduce wandering during initial punching.
- Best for durability: Aluminum alloy templates with robust bushings resist wear and provide repeatable accuracy.
- Best for variety: Multi-spacing templates that cover a wide range of hole centers fit many cabinet styles.