Tools For Fitting A Kitchen ?
Question:My new kitchen gets delivered on Tuesday and im fitting it myself, having never fitted a kitchen before, im just wandering if there is any tools that i should make sure i have to make the job easier.
I have the normal day to day stuff:
24v Drill
Screwdrivers
Hammer
Jigsaw
Handsaw
Spirit Measure
Is there anything else i need that i should shoot down to B&Q and buy before i start ?
Answers:
For "fitting" cabinets you should have most of the following. You will need other stuff [plumbing and electric tools] for any demo and later installation. Keep in mind that some of that "other" work often needs to be done before "hanging the boxes".
Here is my short list:
Tape measure and maybe a good folding wooden rule. A good "speed" square or framing square
Scriber for fitting up to irregular walls and floors, General Tools makes a nice little scriber for about $2. http://www.amazon.com/general-tools-843-...
Shim shingles for levelling and positioning cabinets.
multi cut drill bit[s] that cuts countersink, shank and pilot hole in one shot. and bit for driving screws
it is nice to have two drill motors for drilling and driving screws without changing bits...
several good clamps for joining cabinets together. preferably one that you can tighten with one hand.
straight pieces of 1X2 to use as ledger strips to hold upper cabinets.
belt sander or good block plane for fine tuning your cuts.
Best advice I can give you is start level, square and plumb and finish level, square and plumb. layout the cabinets on the wall and then follow the layout. and locate and mark all your stub before you start.
plumb bob
electical scredriver
pipe tools such as bending equipment, cutters etc. for both water and gas
Worktop jig
Tile cutter
Laminate cutter for worktop edging
Iron to fit the self glueing worktop strips
Grout spreader
possibly a 25mm hole cutter for any hinges that need re aligning (assuming normal kitchen hinges are used).
15-20mm hole cutter for any pipes that need to go through cabinet walls etc...
B&Q do a good fitting guide free of charge so that could be a good place to look.
The list is not all encompasing even when added to yours but its a good starting point (I speak as an ex kitchen designer/fitter). There are always fiddly or unexpected things that crop up in any installation and often tools are need ed that are out of the norm.
Did I mention the router for joining the worktop pieces together for use with the jig?
on your second trip to the store get some tools don't forget the plumbing .
1 Joiner
1Plumber
1 Electrician
Theyv`e got the tools and experience.
If you need to join worktops together, then get a carpenter to come in and do it. It will save you lots of time , money, and head scratching. They are worth their weight in gold on this...
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