How to Make a Template for Drilling for Cabinet Hinges

When you're dealing with any type of woodwork project that requires the fitting of furniture hardware such as hinges or handles, it's unwise to simply hold the item you're trying to fit against a surface and mark it with a pencil before drilling. To be sure you're getting things right, it's best to create a template that you've double-checked and tested before making your final drill holes.

Tape measure
Thin strip of hardboard
Saw
Pencil
Drill with depth guide
Small clamps
Bubble level

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the height or length of the section of the cabinet base to which you want to attach the hinges.
- 2
  Cut a length of hardboard to fit inside your cabinet along the section where the hinges need to be fitted.
- 3
  Measure the distance between the screw holes on your hinges and the distance between the hinge brackets themselves if you need to fit more than one.
- 4
  Mark out where the screw holes need to be fitted to your cabinet base on the length of hardboard you cut. If you need to fit multiple hinges, measure the distance between the bottom screw holes of each to make sure you're aligning your guide holes correctly. Place the hinges over the guide holes to make sure they're properly positioned, and make adjustments if necessary.
- 5
  Drill through the guide holes you've marked on the hardboard.
- 6
  Clamp the hardboard guide you've made to the section of the cabinet to which you want to attach the hinges, making sure it's level or plumb. Use a bubble level to ensure that your template is properly positioned.
- 7
  Measure the length of the screws you're using to secure your hinges and the thickness of the hardboard guide. Add the two together and set the depth guide on your drill to the measurement you're left with before drilling through your template and into your cabinet bases.

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