7 Best Drawer Slide Jig for Faster and Easier Installation

For most woodworkers, installing drawer slides can be complicated and frustrating. Getting everything lined up properly without damaging your project or burning yourself on the drill press can be a struggle. However, there are drawer slide jigs that can make the process easier. Also, suppose you are looking to build drawers in your home. In that case, you may be confused by the variety of drawer slide jigs available on the market. To help you choose the best drawer slide jig for your needs, we put together this guide on the top 7 best drawer slide jigs. Our comprehensive reviews will ensure that you make an informed decision, so read on to find out more!

What Is A Drawer Slide Jig?

A drawer slide jig is a tool for adding or removing slides from drawers and other cabinet components. They are usually composed of plastic and have a variety of slide-holding mechanisms. The sliding jigs come in various sizes and shapes to meet your specific requirements. For the greatest results, drawer slides should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The sliding jigs come in various sizes and shapes to meet your specific requirements. For the greatest results, drawer slides should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How Does A Drawer Slide Jig Work?

A drawer slide jig helps you to hold the slide in the right position while installing it in the cabinet. Some drawer slide jigs demand face clamps to keep them in place, while others feature handles to allow one-handed use. Then all you have to do is measure the distance where the slide will be installed and place the sliding jig along with the slide; this will make your task easier.

Reviews of 7 Best Drawer Slide Jigs

Now I will provide you with a list of the top 7 best drawer slide jigs for faster and easier drawer slide installation.

1. Rockler Universal Drawer Slide Jig

Overview

Brand: Rockler

Product: Rockler Universal Drawer Slide Jig

Material: Nylon Body

Included Components: Only 1 drawer slide jigs

Item Weight: ‎1.45 pounds

Key Features

• A handle grip on the drawer jig holds the slide in place.
• Steel indexing rod and ABS foot made of durable foamed nylon body.
• Large clamping area for securing the jig in place.

On our list of the 7 best drawer slide jigs, Rockler’s universal drawer slide jig comes in #1. The Rockler appears to be more functional because it comes with a solution to the drawer problem by addressing the problem. It features a kind of design that makes it easier to complete chores and offers an easy grip for holding this gear in place without using face clamps.

The indexing rod is a fantastic feature since it ensures flawless repeat use. Once you have measured the distance, secure it with a key, and you will never have to worry about it again! This jig’s height may be changed up to 3/4 inches, so you’ll have enough room no matter what size drawer or door you’re putting slides on.

Rockler offers an easy to grip handle, which is very useful for one-hand use. If you use this handle, then there is no need to use any clamp. So, that makes it easy to use for both with or without a clamp. It works fine with almost all kinds of slide, especially ball bearing, epoxy coated, and undermount slides are very compatible.

Pros

• Have an indexing rod.
• Easy to grip handle.
• Compatible with the majority of drawer slides.
• Utilized with or without the use of a clamp.

Cons

• Cannot keep the drawer box while mounting drawer slide.
• Not compatible with Blum Tandem Drawer Slides.

2. Kreg KHI SLIDE Drawer Slide Jig

Overview

Brand: Kreg Tool

Product: KHI SLIDE Drawer Slide Jig 

Material: Plastic

Included Components: 2 Drawer slide jigs set

Item Weight: 1.15 Pounds

Key Features

• Ball bearing, epoxy coated, and undermount slides are all compatible.
• Works well with face frames and frameless cabinets.
• Clamping is easier.

Kreg KHI SLIDE drawer slide jig is one of the most popular drawer slide jigs on the market. But it cannot make the first position on our list because of not have an indexing rod. But it makes the second position because, among all sorts of woodworking equipment, the Kreg KHI SLIDE drawer slide jig has the most basic design. 

Because of its simplicity, it can handle duties that other sliding jigs cannot. It will, however, require the use of a face clamp to function properly. Let us take a closer look at the specifications to discover what features are included in this bundle!

Kreg drawer slide comes with as a bundle of 2 jigs. Which helps it to use parallelly on the right and the left side of a cabinet drawer.  But the main problem is it cannot be used without a clamp. So, if you don’t have a clamp, then it is not a useful solution for you, then you have to buy one or two clamps along with it to use it.

You cannot use it repeatedly because no indexing rod is included with it. So, every time you have to measure all distances to install drawer slides. That makes it quite useless sometimes. But as it comes as a set of two, that may help a bit in this issue.

Pros

• Comes with 2 jigs set.
• The design is simple.
• Both sides are reversible.
• Can support the drawer box while installing slides.

Cons

• Does not have an indexing rod.
• Not adjustable with inset drawer fronts.

3. Milescraft 1341 Drawer Jig

Overview

Brand: ‎Milescraft

Product: Milescraft 1341 Drawer Jig

Material: Plastic

Included Components: ‎2 Drawer Jigs, Built-In Level, Anti-Marring Pads

Item Weight: 2.55 pounds

Key Features

• Alignment fences and tabs ensure your jig is properly aligned on both framed and frameless cabinets.
• To support and position the drawer when installing slides, reverse the Drawer Jig and face outwards.
• Each jig has eight anti-marring pads on both sides to minimize movement and protect cabinets.
• Works well with ball bearing, epoxy coated, and under-mount slides.

The most interesting thing to tell about Milescraft 1341 Drawer Jig is its price. It is in fact, the cheapest among all the best drawer slide jigs available in the market right now. But its heavier weight and less feature make it ineligible for the best position. 

Although this drawer slide jig is quite heavy compared to its competitor, but its price is the best thing to consider for it. It has a quite different design than others; it is like a human hand kind of design. That makes it aesthetically better than others. Another thing to mention about it is its eight anti-marring pads for protecting the cabinet body are quite cool things that cannot be found on other jigs.

Two jigs are included in the package that readily lines with tabs and markings on both framed and frameless cabinets and clamps into place. For exact alignment every time, the Drawer Jig works with ball-bearing, epoxy-coated, and under-mount slides. The jig has eight built-in anti-marrying pads on both sides, making it simple to align and protect cabinets. Reverse the Drawer Jigs once the slides are placed to generate an extra set of hands to hold your drawer in place as you mount it to your slides.

Pros

• Inexpensive drawer slide jigs. 
• 8 anti-marring pads protection.
• Can reversely use.

Cons

• Bodyweight is heavy.

4. ASCENDAS Universal Drawer Slide Jig

Overview

Brand: ASCENDAS

Product: ASCENDAS Universal Drawer Slide Jig

Material: Plastic

Included Components: Only 1 Drawer slide jig

Item Weight: 1.08 pounds

Key Features

• There is no need for the clamp since the handle grip is lovely and comfy.
• It is a one handed, ultra-lightweight drawer jig.
• Have a wonderful indexing rod.

The ASCENDAS Universal Drawer Slide is a hybrid of Kreg and Rockler’s drawer slide jig designs. And it is pretty similar to Newmind’s drawer slide. It looks pretty simple because of its simpler design, but you can make your work done with it.

For the beginner carpenter who wishes to save time on measuring, this jig is a lightweight and compact solution. It features a convenient handle grip that fits any hand size, ensuring that it does not slip while in use. This tool’s body also has some free space, making it light enough (1.14 pounds) to wield with one arm while working through intricate details without sacrificing control or precision. 

At the top of the instrument is a strong magnet that may be used to retain metal slides. They make the procedure easier and more convenient since, unlike other materials, they do not deteriorate with time. A 38cm indexing rod is included in this jig for frequent usage. You may use this rod to measure the distance from top to bottom and secure it with a key. You won’t need to measure any other side to repeat the slide after it’s been established.

This tool properly positions any cabinet slide in minutes using ball-bearing, epoxy-coated, and undermount slides. The heavy construction offers stability when drilling by guiding the drill bit into place without bending.

Pros

• Includes a 38cm indexing rod.
• Easily used with One Hand.
• No need for measuring and marking every time.
• Has some magnets to keep the slide in place.

Cons

• Contains only one drawer jig.
• Not good for high-pressure clamping.

5. Rockler Undermount Drawer Slide Jig

Overview

Brand: Rockler

Product: Rockler Undermount Drawer Slide Jig

Material: Nylon Body

Included Components: Only 1 Drawer slide jig

Item Weight: ‎1.02 pounds

Key Features

• Your undermount slide is held in place by three rare earth magnets on each side.
• Drill and driver bits can be accessed through cutouts in the jig.
• The jig can be clamped in place thanks to the large clamping zone.

Rockler undermount drawer slide jig is created specifically for installing blum tandem slides into cabinets. It is a small slide jig that fits into your cabinet’s concealed drawer slide. The clever design includes an easy to grip handle for pushing or clamping into the sidewall of a cabinet to secure it during installation and modification. You will never have to worry about slipping again since this undermount drawer slide jig will take care of everything you need.

This jig is one of a kind in that it can support both sides of a drawer slide. This feature facilitates installation and uninstallation, allowing you to achieve more with your time rather than wasting hours attempting to install anything without assistance. Furthermore, the rare earth magnets ensure that they will never lose their strength over time and will always be as strong as when they were initially acquired.

To begin, install your preferred slide or shelf hardware to one side of the jig in whatever position that best suits the left or right cabinet wall. Then, by pressing it against the neighboring cabinet wall until all of the screws are positioned for installation, set it in place. Make sure each edge has a 2mm setback so no noticeable seams show up later when you are decorating. Last but not least, tighten everything up.

Pros

• Small and lightweight (1.02 pounds).
• Six rare earth magnets keep slide in place.
• Use with or without a clamp.

Cons

• No indexing rod.
• Only 1 drawer slide jig.

6. Kreg Drawer Slide Jig Set  

Overview

Brand: Kreg Tool

Product: KHI SLIDE Drawer Slide Jig 

Material: Plastic

Included Components: 2 Drawer slide jigs set

Item Weight: 1.15 Pounds

Key Features

• This set includes six essential woodworking tools. Two Kreg drawer slide jigs, one cabinet hardware jig, one concealed hinge jig, and two 2-inch face clamps make up a set.
• Cabinet hardware jigs may be utilized for a variety of tasks, including installing knobs and pulls.

Kreg All in One Drawer slide jig set comes with 6 of the most important woodworking tools, as well as a few extras. This great money saver bundle is for you if you are a frequent woodworker who wants to save money on several basic equipment. It includes 2 Kreg drawer slide jigs, 1 cabinet hardware jig, and 1 concealed hinge toolkit with all installation accessories. And it also includes 2-inch broad face clamps for convenient clamping on long or short parts, accordingly.

These 2 inches face clamps are a tad on the little side, but they pack a punch. The concealed hinge jig is a fantastic and useful tool. It comes with two keys for modifying the size of your concealed hinges, allowing you to choose any size that meets your needs and change them up to half an inch deep.

Cabinet hardware jigs are by far the most common type of cabinet hardware installation tool available. But what distinguishes this one from the rest? Let’s take a look at some of its features: it includes two moveable edge guides as well as measurement scales for accurately positioning knobs. Another built-in scale for measuring distance, as well as an adjustable drill guide for drilling straight holes without the use of a self-centering drill bit.

It is an ideal toolkit for working alone. If you are not a professional and want to build your own cabinet, then it has everything you need. This bundle will make your job easy and convenient. We can only insist you to buy this product if you want to save money to build your own cabinet, or you are a professional who frequently needs these things.

Pros

• Definitely a money saver bundle.
• Compact Face clamps.
• Simple to use Drawer Slide Jig.
• Concealed Hinge Jig eliminates the guesswork.
• Easy to set knobs with moveable edge guide and measurement scales.

Cons

• Face clamps are rather small.
• Useless on big drawers.
• Not enough room to use for bottom drawer.

7. Newmind Drawer Track Slide Installation Jig

Overview

Brand: ‎ Newmind

Product: Newmind Drawer Track Slide Installation Jig -Woodworking Auxiliary Tool Blue

Material: Plastic

Color: Dark Blue

Included Components: ‎Only 1 Drawer Slide Jig, Indexing Rod

Key Features

• Indexing tabs are built-in, and the flat surface permits clamping.
• Drawer slides are held in position by built-in magnets.
• Works for low-profile epoxy (roller) slides and side-mounted ball bearing slides in the face frame and frameless cabinets.

Newmind offers you a similar kind of product as its competitor. But its price is quite reasonable compared to what it offers. This drawer slide jig is made to be simple to use for novices while yet being durable enough for pros. It really works fine for face frame and frameless cabinets.

It also has an indexing tab which can be very helpful for a repeated job. The indexing tab will ensure you that you do not have to worry about measuring and marking every time. Without the need for measuring and marking, you can get consistent results. The drawer sliding jig delivers rapid, consistent results whether you are installing one drawer or many.

It has an easy-to-grip handle, which is very convenient for one-hand use. Anyone can place it correctly with one hand and another hand can be used to drill on the cabinet to install the drawer slide. You can easily use it for face frames and frameless cabinets without any hassle.

Although its design is pretty similar to the ASCENDAS Universal Drawer Slide Jig, but its plastic quality is quite good than ASCENDAS. But of course, you have to pay a bit more for it because of that. Otherwise both of them perform pretty similar.

Pros

• Built in indexing tab.
• No need for measuring and marking every time.
• Always fits precisely and slides effortlessly.

Cons

• High pressure clamping is risky.

Buying Guide for Drawer Slide Jigs

It is an important part for the new woodworker and those who rarely use drawer slides. They have to consider a lot of factors before buying this must have tool. Now I will talk about some of them as well so that you do not make any mistakes in your purchase decision process. 

Tips for choosing a best drawer slide jig for yourself:

Price Range

Price varies from one model to another depending on their size, quality, ease of use etc., Therefore, take all these aspects into consideration while purchasing it so that you do not end up spending too much money on something useless.

Materials Used

You should know what material is used in making your chosen jig and whether it is durable or not? Also, ensure it can withstand high pressure of clamps or not? 

Choose Adjustable Size

If you are planning to build large furniture, then you should go with a bigger jig which can fit large slides. And also, adjustable size will give you comfort to use any slide.

Go for Indexing Rod

If you want to measure your drawer height correctly for both sides, then you should go for an indexing rod. It really helps a lot when you have only one jig. Remember, perfect repeatability is always possible with an adjustable indexing foot.

Go for Maximum Clamping Power

Try to go for maximum clamping power. This is especially true if you need something that can provide maximum clamping power and requires only a little bit of space on your workbench. Of course, you should also think about how much you’re willing to spend because most quality jigs come with a hefty price tag. You might end up saving money in the long run by purchasing a cheaper product at first but having it break prematurely. 

Check Your Toolbox

If you are a professional or even a beginner, please check your toolbox before buying a combo. If you find similar products in your toolbox, then don’t go for a combo because every drawer slide jig is compatible with most of the clamps and other accessories. 

Also, you should go for a combo if you like to build furniture in the future. You could save some cash now but find yourself regretting that decision later on when you want to do more advanced woodworking projects like framing cabinets or building furniture.

How Can I Use A Drawer Slide Jig?

When utilizing a drawer slide jig to install your drawer slides, there are a few procedures to follow. Drawer slide jigs include a function that secures the slide in place. This will ensure that your work is error-free.

The steps to follows are

• The jig is placed against the cabinet’s face.
• Place the slide in the correct position.
• Fix the jig in position using a clamp.
• To set the height frequently, use the adjustable rod to reference off the face frame rails.
• Install the drawer slide.
• Then place the drawer with it.

Frequently Asked Questions about Drawer Slide Jig

1. What is the maximum weight that a drawer slide jig can support?

It all depends on the type of clamp you are using. However, the maximum drawer slide can tolerate enough pressure to keep a drawer open.

2. Do Undermount Slides Have Drawer Slide Jigs?

Drawer slide jigs, such as the Rockler Undermount Drawer Slide Jig, are designed exclusively for undermount slides. This type of jig can also come with a template for drilling the holes for the rear bracket and front trigger release. ​

3. How Much Space Do Drawer Slides Require? 

On both sides, most drawer slides require 1/2′′ of clearance. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule, particularly for heavy-duty and under-mount drawer slides. A heavy-duty slide may require up to and above 3/4′′ of an inch each slide due to the additional weight requirement. An undermount slide, on the other hand, may get away with as little as 3/8′′ of an inch.

4. Can We Use Drawer Slide Jig For Bottom Drawer? 

It is hard to answer because it is tricky to use it for the bottom drawer. Some drawer slide jigs may be useful to install drawer slide on the bottom drawer by applying some tricks, whereas other drawer jigs may not be useful.

5. How To Use Rockler Universal Drawer Slide Jig?

Rockler Universal Drawer slide is very easy to use. But for better reference, watch this video.

6. How To Use Kreg KHI-SLIDE Drawer Slide Jig?

To use Kreg KHI-SLIDE Drawer Slide Jig, you need to use two clamps with it. For better reference, watch this video.

Conclusion

Although several drawer slide jigs are now available in the market, getting to know each one of them and choosing one that is perfect for you can be a tedious job. So, to ease you up we have reviewed here the top 7 best drawer slide jigs at hand now. Hope they will be helpful while making your decision.