My drawer slide jig gave out halfway through a big kitchen job

It happened last Tuesday, right in the middle of installing 24 drawers for a kitchen in Springfield. The plastic locking tab on my favorite jig just snapped clean off (I've had it for about 5 years, so I guess it was time). I had to finish the last 8 drawers by hand, measuring and marking each one, which added almost 2 hours to the day. I've already ordered a new metal-bodied jig online, but it was a real pain in the moment. Has anyone else had a trusted piece of shop gear fail at the worst possible time? What's your go-to backup method for drawer slides when the jig quits?

2 comments

2 Comments

tyler49212d ago

Wait, you finished eight drawers by hand in only two extra hours? That's some serious speed. I would have been there all night. Tough break on the jig, man.

mason72812d ago

My old Kreg jig did the same thing on a built-in bookcase project last fall. When that plastic piece goes, it's just gone. I keep a scrap of 3/4 plywood with a couple holes pre-drilled at the standard 1/2 inch setback as a last resort template. It's not as fast, but you can clamp it to the drawer box and mark through the holes. Beats freehanding it every time.