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Old 04-06-2007, 08:15 PM
thedcdude thedcdude is offline
Handyman
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Washington D.C.
Posts: 29
thedcdude
A couple of suggestions for wall cabinets.
Before you start, check your corners and walls for square and plumb and also check the middle for any belly. If you're hanging against a bulk head, make sure it doesn't run up or down hill too much. If they are significantly out, it's best to have a plan before you start.

Mark stud locations. I find it easier to remove all doors.

The first cabinet you hang is the most important, as all others in that row will be affected and any error will be magnified as you work down the line. Have a helper and take as much time as you need getting it level and plumb before you screw it in. Clamp the next cabinet to the first and use a rubber mallet to tap it into alignment. Check again for level. If you need to make an adjustment, you can probably just loosen the first cabinet a little to bring both of them back to level. I attach the two together by drilling a 5/32 pilot hole through the inside frames and drive in a 2-1/2 inch drywall screw. It's easier to drill/screw from within a larger cabinet than a smaller one if you have a choice.

For base cabinets it's important to have them tight against the wall as well as level. If you have to shim between the wall and the cabinet, keep it to a minimum because the amount you shim out reduces your counter overhang. If you have a separate back splash, you'll need something to brace it to the wall while your adhesive sets. If your backsplash is part of the counter, I hope your walls are straight, scribing isn't easy the first time you do it. I would consider taking out a little drywall to get a tight fit if necessary. It's best to do as much plumbing work as possible before the cabinet or counter goes in.

I use a one inch dryall screw to mount the counter--they'll never pop through. A 1-1/4 is safe on the no-drip part. 1-5/8 is dangerous. It's easy to pierce your top so set your driver to the low speed and use extreme caution with longer screws. Also be carefull drilling your door pull holes. It's easy to mistakenly drill on a hinge side when you're looking at row of doors. Always beware of any wires and plumbing lines when driving screws into the wall.

good luck with it
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