[Tigratrus]

Before you begin:

• Make sure you have space to assemble and to store the cabinets until they are installed.
  
• Know that the first cabinet will take you longer (in orders of magnitude) than any other.
  
• The instructions have no words, save the occasional "Click!"...only stick figures and line drawings.
  
• Pay close attention to the orientation of the sides and panels as you assemble, particularly the edges--there are fine distinctions made, just not very obviously.
  
• The DVD, video and posters (if you got them) are helpful in seeing an overview of the process.
  
• You will still have to follow the Akurum cabinet assembly instructions step by step.
  
• Apparently the assembly instructions indicate a file is needed. Noone knows what it is for

[BREAK=Basic Assembly]
Basic Assembly of Wall Cabinets, Base Cabinets, and High Cabinets:

Necessary:

• Measuring tape
• Spirit level
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Hammer
• Screws/bolts/anchors to attach cabinets to your walls
• TIME - about 1 hour for first cabinet, 20 minutes thereafter. More for pantries and Perfekt wine/plate racks and cabinets

Possible:

• Hacksaw to cut suspension rail
• Saw to cut toekick, filler
• Shims
• Cake
• Iron to attach edge banding to cut edges of panels and toekick

Optional:

• Drill/driver with Phillips bit or Ratcheting screwdriver
• Long magnetic Phillips driver bit
• Nail gun or WHITE rubber mallet instead of hammer
• Combination square for squaring cabinets
• Center punch for starting nails
• Laser level
• PATIENCE - lots and lots

[BREAK=Advanced Assembly/Modifications]
Advanced Assembly/Installation (Making Modifications):

Possibilities:

• Pencils
• Graph paper for planning
• Accurate scale/ruler
• Spade bit for drilling holes in sink base back for pipes
• Right angle drill attachment
• Clamps
• Glue
• Table saw or circular saw to cut panels
• Jigsaw to cut holes for sink in countertops
• Sandpaper
• Blue painter's tape to tape cuts
• Clamps -- Edge clamps, body clamps, bar clamps
• Veneer edging to match
• Stain to match veneer to doors
• Extra hardware, cabinet screws, drywall screws, etc.
• L-brackets for countertop or end panel installation
• Martinis

[vmole]

Good list, but I'd argue that if you're doing more than one or two cabinets, the drill-driver is essential. There's a *lot* of screws to put in, and you can pick up a decent cordless driver for $80 or less (you don't need an 18v driver, 12v or 9.6v is plenty for this job.)

I'd also strongly recommend a square for aligning the cabinet before putting the back on. However, there's enough slop in the parts that some of them can't be made square in opposite corners at the same time. Accept that life is not perfect, and split the difference.

[Tigratrus]

Don't tell anyone, but Susan wrote this one and ascribed it to me so she can't be blamed for any inaccuracies . I think she had a combination square and a driver/drill under optional tools. I would have included cookies instead of cake and they wouldn't have been in the "possible" category (they are a clear requirement), and I NEVER drink martinis.

James

[tomswa]

I have been most happy with the new milwaukee m12 driver-very light weight and recharges in 1/2 hour. Set the clutch to 9.
Another very valuable tool is a #2 phillips screwdriver with a magnetic tip. It is very handy for putting drawer hardware. Have lots of extra plastic bags to hold parts for cabinets in mid construction. Scotch tape and a marker pen. A rubber mallet helps to join the parts without damaging them.

Tom