If you want to reface kitchen cabinets right, you want to get it done in close to a single work session as possible.
The longer you leave doors off and the longer you wait between applying different finishes, the more likely you will have problems.
So when you dive into refacing kitchen cabinets, make sure you have all the right tools on hand.
If you're really impatient, scan my article for the boldfaced words.
They list just the tools you'll need.
All sets of cabinet refacing supplies should include both a cordless drill and several screwdrivers.
You will need the cordless drill and driver for both drilling new wholes for new hardware as well as greatly speeding the process of unscrewing and screwing critical screws.
However, you will also find yourself needing to delicately torque some screws with a hand screw driver, so keep both a flat head and Phillips head screwdriver at hand.
Next you'll need your trusty hammer and nails.
Depending on how much of reface you're doing, you may need the nail and hammer for a variety of tasks.
At the very least, you'll find the hammer handy for adjustments and securing drawer runners.
Never begin a job like this without a tape measure and a level.
I urge you to keep both on your belt as you'll be reaching for these time and time again.
Stepping beyond the most obvious cabinet refacing tools, you'll need clamps and a pry bar.
Some people try to get by with a hammer for the pry bar's role, but I encourage you to do this right and not cut corners.
A hammer may damage drawer fronts when you pry them, for example.
Unless you have a half dozen strong and calloused hands around at all times, you'll need clamps with rubber feet to hold a number of pieces together and level while you drill or saw.
The last absolutely necessary tool will be a utility knife.
I encourage you to keep several blades on hand.
It is hard to describe exactly where it will be used depending on how you approach your particular job, but I can assure you it will come in handy over and over again.
Now depending on exactly how extensive a refinishing job you're implementing, you may also need a miter saw and a table saw.
The miter saw will help you cut the exact angles you must have and your table saw will give you perfectly straight lines (if you use it right, of course).
It goes without saying that you should have plenty of spare screws, nails, pencils and wood glue on hand.
Always over-buy with these particulars as it can be infuriating to either run out of them or misplace them if you only have a few.
I hope this helps you understand the laundry list of tools you'll need on hand to reface kitchen cabinets properly.
Don't try to skimp on these tools as you'll only make your job more difficult and when you get frustrated in a project like this, you only increase the likelihood of making careless but costly mistakes.
The longer you leave doors off and the longer you wait between applying different finishes, the more likely you will have problems.
So when you dive into refacing kitchen cabinets, make sure you have all the right tools on hand.
If you're really impatient, scan my article for the boldfaced words.
They list just the tools you'll need.
All sets of cabinet refacing supplies should include both a cordless drill and several screwdrivers.
You will need the cordless drill and driver for both drilling new wholes for new hardware as well as greatly speeding the process of unscrewing and screwing critical screws.
However, you will also find yourself needing to delicately torque some screws with a hand screw driver, so keep both a flat head and Phillips head screwdriver at hand.
Next you'll need your trusty hammer and nails.
Depending on how much of reface you're doing, you may need the nail and hammer for a variety of tasks.
At the very least, you'll find the hammer handy for adjustments and securing drawer runners.
Never begin a job like this without a tape measure and a level.
I urge you to keep both on your belt as you'll be reaching for these time and time again.
Stepping beyond the most obvious cabinet refacing tools, you'll need clamps and a pry bar.
Some people try to get by with a hammer for the pry bar's role, but I encourage you to do this right and not cut corners.
A hammer may damage drawer fronts when you pry them, for example.
Unless you have a half dozen strong and calloused hands around at all times, you'll need clamps with rubber feet to hold a number of pieces together and level while you drill or saw.
The last absolutely necessary tool will be a utility knife.
I encourage you to keep several blades on hand.
It is hard to describe exactly where it will be used depending on how you approach your particular job, but I can assure you it will come in handy over and over again.
Now depending on exactly how extensive a refinishing job you're implementing, you may also need a miter saw and a table saw.
The miter saw will help you cut the exact angles you must have and your table saw will give you perfectly straight lines (if you use it right, of course).
It goes without saying that you should have plenty of spare screws, nails, pencils and wood glue on hand.
Always over-buy with these particulars as it can be infuriating to either run out of them or misplace them if you only have a few.
I hope this helps you understand the laundry list of tools you'll need on hand to reface kitchen cabinets properly.
Don't try to skimp on these tools as you'll only make your job more difficult and when you get frustrated in a project like this, you only increase the likelihood of making careless but costly mistakes.