You need some basic tools to put together ready-to-assemble (RTA) kitchen cabinets. You should have access to a tape measure, pencil, several screwdrivers, and a hammer.
Other tools may also be needed, as listed in the assembly instructions that came with your cabinets, such as a table saw and nail gun to cut and install the panels and moldings.
In addition, your RTA cabinets do not include handles or wall mounting screws. You will need to remember to order these items and have them available.
Installing handles could require using a drill with the appropriate drill bit. If you are uncomfortable with drilling holes in your new cabinets, you should check with your supplier when you order your cabinets. Some places may offer to predrill the holes for you, so all you have to do is attach the handles. This added service might be provided for free or for a nominal charge.
It is a good idea to sort ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets by type and where they will be installed prior to unpacking them. In addition, you should work on one cabinet at a time to avoid mixing up hardware between different kinds. Because there is a learning curve, you may want to work on assembling similar cabinets before moving onto a different configuration.
Always read through your instructions before starting, to confirm you have the necessary tools and to verify the contents of each package. Lastly, make sure you have ample room to work and remember to take your time as you learn how to put your RTA cabinets together.
