Tools to Square Up Drawers

Square Ruler

• Use a square ruler when drawing the drawer panels on the wood. The square ruler ensures that every corner on the drawer panels is an even 90 degrees. Place it on each corner to ensure both drawer sides part of the corner are aligned with the ruler's two sides. An uneven line results in an uneven cut, which affects the final product. The square ruler also serves to make straight lines when drawing the panels on the wood.

Cabinet Clamps

• Cabinet clamps or regular clamps are clamps that hold the wood panels in place so the entire structure is held in place without the help of screws and nails. It is useful when connecting panels with nails and a hammer. Once the panels are cut, create the drawer frame by placing the side panels and end piece around the bottom piece. To ensure the drawer corners are evenly squared, place the clamps on the panels to keep them in place. Hammer nails into the panels or insert screws using a cordless screwdriver to connect the panels.

Level

• A level is is a wooden or plastic tool with one or more precision water bubbles inside. The plastic revealing the bubble has horizontal and vertical lines. When the level is placed evenly on the wall, the bubble fits between the two lines. Place the level on top of the panels when the clamps are holding them in place to ensure they are straight. Use the level every time you connect two pieces to ensure the drawer is straight. The level is also useful when installing sliding tracks so the tracks are level on both the drawer's sides and inside the drawer cabinet frame.

Common Considerations

• Gather additional woodworking tools for the drawer construction, including nails, a hammer, soft or medium-grit sandpaper and a saw. Construct one drawer corner at a time to ensure the panels are evenly attached to one another. Start with the back panel and attach one side at a time to create a U-shape, using the back panel as the middle piece. In addition, construct one drawer at a time so you learn from your assembly mistakes during the first drawer construction to ease the remaining assembly process.