When I arrive at the point where I can install knobs or pulls on my completed project, I know I’m in the home stretch. But I find laying out and drilling the holes a little tedious. So I rely on a template to help me accurately place the hardware. Of course, you can make your own template for each project you build. But there are several manufactured jigs that are easy and accurate to use.
These handy jigs have predrilled holes precisely spaced for any drawer or door pull, whether it’s sized in metric or imperial measurements. They all have some type of measuring, centering, and marking system on the jig. All you have to do is mark the centerline for the hardware, match it to the jig and reference line, then mark the holes for drilling.
EASY USE. The JIG-IT by Rockler is one template that’s easy to use for drawer or doors. The template mounts to a T-track and has a stop block at one end, as shown in the first photo. The jig also slides up and down on the T-track so you can position the pulls and knobs vertically, too (photo below). All you need to do is place it against the top edge of the drawer, adjust the template to the drawer front and tighten down the stop block on one side. Once the stop is set, the setup is repeatable on as many drawers or doors as you have.
The jig includes a spring-loaded center punch to mark for hole placement (photo below). After removing the jig, you can drill the holes. The pre-drilled holes in the jig match the spacing of most common drawer pulls. And a centered hole is used for knobs. There’s also a self-adhesive measuring tape included that you can install on the T-track to help with measuring and centering.
The Rockler jig is definitely an adequate jig, but if you’re installing long pulls or double handles then you might want to consider the Euro Handle-It. EURO HANDLE-IT. The Euro Handle-It has a few added features that makes it more versatile. As you can see in the photo below, this jig also includes a stop for repeatable setups. What makes this jig different is that the centering holes can be positioned anywhere along the jig, so you can drill holes up to 24" apart for extra long handles. The centering holes also adjust vertically on the jig so you can center holes on a drawer as tall as 12".
The jig is made of polycarbonate and features hardened steel guide bushings for use with a standard 3 ⁄ 16 "-dia. drill bit. That’s another advantage to this jig. You can drill the holes with the jig in place, which saves a step later.
If you’re installing two handles on the same drawer front, you won’t need to reset the Euro jig. It has a fence on both faces of the jig so you can set it once, mark one side, and then flip the jig for the opposite side (photo above). Plus the jig has imperial and metric markings for all types of pulls.
The sliding fence also has a “V” notch. This lets you place handles at 45° to the edge (photo above).
Either of these jigs is great to have in the shop, especially if you have a project with a lot of doors or drawers or you build a lot of cabinets. But if you just need to install a few pulls or knobs, then check out the simple and inexpensive jig in the box below.
No-Frills Jig
The PerfectMount for Drawers is an inexpensive, easy-to-use jig for installing pulls. This $6 jig simply registers off the top edge of any drawer to mark placement of most common size pulls or knobs. There are multiple, pre-drilled holes for most drawer heights.
