Three Ways To Square Up a Cabinet (and why you should!)

SKIP AHEAD TO about the 9:00 mark if you want to skip the rambling :)
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In this video, the concept of squaring up cabinets, bookcases, doors and walls are discussed, and three different ways are shown to achieve our inner square :)

[@kenwest2670]

Finally, a series of video's on cabinet building that is crystal clear! I knew there had to be a channel that had instructional videos that lasted more than five minutes. Well done!

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Ken West Wish all the posts were as kind as yours :) so thank you very much for watching and posting such a nice comment. Something interesting I found was that no matter how long the video, the average viewing time (number of minutes watched divided by number of views) stays at about seven minutes or so. Maybe that says something about our attention spans (I'm guilty of it too :) But I'm glad you enjoyed them and thanks again for posting.

[@newagainresurfacingn.q.ngu4218]

THANK YOU !!! you're gonna blow up with subscribers

[@TheJimsock]

Thanks....can't tell you how many tutorials I've been through on TV, Videos, Text and, yes, film (yeah, I'm old) where I've been told to check for square and never heard a word about what to do if it isn't square. Subscribed

[@smartbody2456]

That’s funny! 👍👍

[@danieldivita9894]

I love how excited you are about the last technique. Very nice.

[@eliseriokuan1523]

I spent literally 2 hours trying to work out how to square a cabinet I am building and gave up. I wish I had watched this before. I can now go back as this video has made it crystal clear in how to make it square. Thankyou for the information you have shared. 😀

[@brucebelyeu926]

That slide method is the "cats meow". Perfect for my bookshelves. Thank you!

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Glad you like it! Thanks for commenting. -Pat

[@yoyoitsKerry]

the content starts at 6:10

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Thank you commentor! :)

[@strobie42]

7:46 if you already know what "square" means.

[@michaelburton9638]

thank you commentor.

[@mryumish1287]

Thank you

[@DonObadencio]

Thank you for taking the time for doing these video's, I appreciate them very much...

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Don Obadencio I'm glad. Hope they help. thanks for watching and taking the time to post!

[@TV-gy1nf]

Oh my gosh.... You are the square angel! I was ready to jump off the bridge over unsquare cabinet. Spent hours trying to fix it. Your video was so helpful and detailed for somebody whose a newbie.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

So glad it helped. I squinted, but still can't see a halo over my head lol. But seriously, glad it helped you.

[@DarylBambic]

Those were awesome lessons in how to fix the 'assembly is not square' problem.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Glad you found it useful!

[@10029759]

Brilliant, this is what I have been looking for. 🙌🏻

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

so glad you found it :)!

[@hikariscissors]

Thank you! I really like that simple jig you made to square up the cabinet. Thanks for sharing.

[@reymoreno2526]

Hello Pat, thanks for the videos. You have inspired me to go out and attempt to build my own kitchen cabinets. I'm in the process of buying most of the tools you used in your videos to start my project. Thanks again, good job.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Rey Moreno Hey very glad. If you just break it down into smaller tasks, it becomes much more manageable. Good luck, and if you feel so inclined, please feel free to post any pics you want on our facebook page at facebook.com/diyhomebuilt. Good luck, and if you have any questions along the way, please post. Thanks again for watching.

[@craigs7473]

I've started making bean bag boards for family and friends and ran into the out of square frames too often. Your video informative, instructive and a life saver THANKS.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

+Craig Schwarz (Craig1949) So glad. that's one things i actually have NOT done is make those bean bag boards. going to have to do that before summer :). Thanks -Pat

[@viralorpe7318]

I really appreciate your efforts in making this video and the very neat explanations. The focus of the video is to rectify some mistake and/or as part of the regular process to ensure that the cabinet is square. I would like to know what should be the steps in building a cabinet/ book-case where you are only off by a "rectifiable" amount!? That is steps/care to be taken PRIOR to the point where you have started this video. I work with plywood which has nothing straight (a shallow canoe like) and I am never confident that whatever I am making is going to fit nicely. Thanks for your efforts and help.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Viral Orpe thank you for the kind words. Hopefully the videos can help you. You are correct, as the focus is on the part of the process after the carcass is made. I did another video here Skill Builder: Measuring, Marking & Cutting that talks about "measuring, marking and cutting." hopefully you can put those techniques to use to help make everything fit before the squaring step. With respect to the material, all i can say is that i try to keep my material as flat and straight as i can. From when i store it, to when i cut it. If yours is "bowing" or "warping", it's best to try to straighten it as much as possible before working with it. There are many ways to do this, depending on whether it's plywood or solid stock. I don't have any videos yet on this topic, but there should be many around. Thanks again for watching, and taking the time to post!

[@allenjernejcic6516]

Very helpful, thank you. Have been looking for something like this. I have struggled to make things since I was having trouble squaring them up....

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Glad they can help. Thanks for watching, and taking the time to post. -Pat

[@ronin6932]

Same thing happen here!

[@tomdaily25]

Terrific video. I've been looking for something like this and this answered my questions. Thanks.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

So glad it helped! Thanks for watching and posting. -Pat

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Sorry folks, had to delete the earlier version as it became somehow corrupted and un-editable. Thanks for your understanding.

[@jackiedixon4859]

DIYHomeBuilt l appreciate your videos. They have helped me immensely!

[@josechavez5950]

hey Pat thanks for thorough explanation of the whole sqaring process great job. I would like to know though if you have a video on how to make that jig.... Thanks Again!

[@harv488]

Hey Pat. I love the right angle jig that you've created and can hardly wait to try it on my next set of cabinets. I was wondering if it would be useful to use a trigger-action handheld bar clamp with one end switched from squeezing action to spreading action to press the second right angle jig towards the first one (for decreasing the diagonal length). If a stop block was secured to the top of the worktable, the spreader could be placed between the block and the jig to control the amount of movement and keep your hands free to check the two diagonals. Also, for wider carcasses (like a 24" deep base cabinet), do you have to worry about spring back on the unsecured side when the jigs are removed or is it pretty negligible? Thanks again for the time involved with sharing your expertise with us.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Harv Yes, this is an excellent idea. I've been thinking of ways to improve this setup and that's certainly one way to do it which is quick and easy. I have also been thinking of how to modify one of the jigs (the one that we're pushing on) to incorporate a regular screw-type movable mechanism that would allow you to clamp the base plate to the table, and then just turn the handle to move the two 2x4's (some how attached). I'm not sure I understood your second question. If you secure something like a back or a face-frame on all sides before releasing the jigs, there is no spring back. Did i miss something? Thanks again for sharing, and that's a great idea about the spreader/stop-block combo!

[@cbhorr5671]

How sturdy a back board would you use? Cabinet back I have is thin-was nailed over the back frame edge.

[@fredastaire6156]

the third method is ingenious, thank you!

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Glad it helped :)

[@donmorel6868]

Pat Thoroughly enjoyed your kitchen cabinet series. Did you or are you going to do a cabinet install series? I would like to see you install these cabinet. What do you do if your walls are out of plumb? Do you scribe the cabinets to fit the wall, use shims, etc? Also, going back to your over the range/microwave cabinet in which you made 15" deep instead of 12", do you make all of the uppers 15" deep? If so, does that present a problem with seeing what you are doing as this cabinet sticks out farther that the standard 12"? Just wondering? Again, thanks for the GREAT videos. Can't wait to see your next series.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

+don morel Hi Don, Thanks for the kind words and I'm very glad you're enjoying the videos. I started uploading a builtin fireplace surround project, which was supposed to have footage of the install. Well, i messed something up and the footage of the install got deleted. But no worries I have another project coming up soon that will show it in more detail (although slightly different). In any case, yes, i scribe my cabinets, counters, bookshelves etc. The cabinets themselves are always installed level and plumb. I don't like filler strips either (that's what custom cabinets are supposed to get rid of). On the microwave cabinet i was fortunate that those three cabinets (the two sides and the middle above the microwave) were their own separate "unit" isolated from the other cabinets. This was good because there was a window in the way of the other cabinets and I couldn't make them 15" without moving the window (not in the budget :). so the other cabinets were 12". If you don't have a window issue, you can certainly make all your uppers 15", but not necessary. It's not a major problem with seeing what you are doing as the microwave itself is 16" so no real issue there. if the other ones were 15" yes, you'd lose some visibility but not much. On occasion I've made "cabinets" out of cardboard boxes so that the client can see what it will look like installed, how it will "interact" with the room space, etc. That might be a quick remedy to understand if the 15" cabinet will be more than you want in terms of depth. It's a pretty cheap alternative than making all your cabinets 15" and then later regretting it ;) If you are 6"8" tall then it might be an issue, but if you're 5'3" tall the 3" won't make a difference (i'm guessing). so you have to judge for yourself. Thanks for the great question, and especially for watching and taking the time to post. Hope the answers help. Happy New Year!

[@BrianThorstad]

Thanks, exactly what I was trying to learn!

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Glad it helped!!

[@cbhorr5671]

I'm trying to sq bottom sides of an armoire. Doors don't close evenly. 2 sides of cabinet base below interior shelf curve inward. Do I mount sturdier bk on enclosed area to sq, or do I brace sides at bottom under shelf?

[@EchoNine3]

So if you've screwed and glued it and it's out of square and you use one of these methods, do you just add more screws to keep it in that position?

[@chasmj3268]

Thanks for this. I will be making about 20 boxes for a modular book case, and will use the jig. I will say that the most elementary property of squaring a quadrilateral is that the opposing pieces must be of equal length. Basic, but doesn't always happen.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

You're welcome. this is true also. It helps to have your pieces the right length, though it rarely happens unless you have setups that are dedicated to cut at certain sizes. Hope the bookcases turn out! -Pat

[@joshkwd8527]

Incredible video, thank you so much!

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Thank you too! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@typicalyoutubename9494]

This video was very helpful.. Thank you for posting! I do have a question. I'm building a 60"x19" dresser for my son. The frame is completely built and I'm at the point where I'm ready to install the top which didn't fit correctly.. this is the first I'm learning about square (I'm a novice, I've only built a couple pieces). My project is definitely out of square by ~ 1/4". I tried to build a jig to sit over the top of the dresser (after I unscrewed many of the pocket screws) but it only helped slightly and I can't take the entire thing apart because I've glued the drawer seats over the pocket hole screws (rookie mistake).. any other ideas?

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

That's a tough one. Can you take off the back? sometimes, even if it's glued you can pull the back off and replace if damaged. Sp long as you don't damage anything visible. If you can, then use a clamp across the longer diagonal (you may need two, one across the back, one across the front. Then reattach the back and tack or screw it in when it's square. If you can't get the back off, I might try to use the clamps anyway and gently increase the pressure gradually until you're close enough, then drive fasteners to hold it square. You may hear creaks, cracking noises etc. But the good thing about squaring a cabinet you only have to close 1/2 of the gap. So if you're off by 1/4", all you have to do is apply enough pressure to shorten the longer diagonal by 1/8 of an inch. Let me know how it works out. Also, don't worry about making mistakes. I've made plenty. Sometimes it's the best way we learn.

[@MrJFuen]

I'm trying to square up some cabinet panel doors with mitered corners. Do you think your jigs would work well for mitered corners too?

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

+Justin Fuentes Yes, should work with mitered corners no problem. In fact, if your miters are off (e.g. saw out of alignment) it will show you that. Thanks -Pat

[@qigong1001]

I built a 3' X 5' storage that took a few days. I used douglas fir, a bit wet. I made the cuts...then 7 days later I assembled it. How do you maintain the carcass shape as a perfect square...I think it went a bit off when I put the corner braces and attaching the panels. Nothing noticeable, but it made the door installation a challenge. How do you maintain a perfect 90 degree corner when installing a bracket or panels...is there a clamping system that helps keep the frame stable while adding things to it? What is everyone using...l would love to hear from you and the commenters. Thanks.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Slap Stick sorry it took me awhile to respond, but this comment got caught in the "likely spam" folder (not sure why) and i didn't see it :). You certainly can clamp things in place to maintain square, but usually I make sure any panels I'm going to be nailing to the frame are absolutely square. Then I square one edge at a time at the 90 degree and that usually does it. Most of the time however, if I'm having a tough time of it, i use the squaring jigs which will hold it in place. Thanks for watching and taking the time to post a good question. Hope others respond as well.

[@qigong1001]

***** Okay thanks.

[@annettehauler1033]

Great explanations for a total newby!

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Thank you. Hope they help. -Pat

[@romeo2presley]

Good video, 20 mins well spent

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

+romeo2presley Thanks. This was one of my favorites to make. Squaring is very important in so many aspects of carpentry and construction. Thanks for watching! - Pat

[@donalfredisaac]

Thanks to you Pat.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

+Alfredo Isaac You're very welcome. Thanks for watching. -Pat

[@Xbolt1969]

Ill be making this tomorrow Thank you

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Glad to hear it!

[@jimbob78ify]

Late to the party on this one but thank you for the great explanation and tips!

[@deponzi]

Thank you super helpful I am going to try it on a large cabinet

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Good luck! let me know how it works out.

[@jimpalmer1944]

Pat, good advice and very helpful. I have a larger box to square (tool box) 4' x 32" x 23" . How do I make the squaring jigs work for that? Too big for my work table, I have the box on squat saw horses.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Thanks Steve, appreciate it. For me, first approach would be to get a pipe clamp long enough to get the diagonal. If you can't do that, put one corner of the long diagonal against something that won't move (wall, etc). have a friend push the other long diagonal corner until square, then drive the back home. I'm not sure i mentioned it in the video, but there's a couple of ways to calculate what the diagonal should be. Assuming the sides are equal length, and the top/bottom are equal length, then just use Pythagorean theorem to calculate. or I believe you can just split the difference between measurements. Meaning, if one diagonal is 48.5 and the other is 48, then the diagonal should be 48.25 to be square. when your buddy leans against the long corner, do it until the tape reads 48.25 and then secure the back with a couple of brads to hold it square, then attach. Hope that makes sense.

[@mscutiebum]

i built a kitchen and all the boxes are square except my sink cabinets. i have two so now im trying to mount the doors on those to cabinets and it's very difficult.. do you have a video showing how to mount if they're not square and already mounted in the kitchen? help haha

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

+mscutiebum Followme how far out of square are they? meaning what are the two diagonal measurements?

[@lelanddeck9510]

Great video, and just in time for me. I'm building built in bookcases to surround the fireplace in an ~90 old building. With nothing what-so-ever in the building square, flat or level, I'm worried a lot about squaring the carcasses. I have one comment, and one question. Comment. I saw this mentioned in another comment I stumbled on, but making absolutely sure the pair of side pieces are EXACTLY the same length is critical, and the same for the top and bottom pieces. Being off even a little bit creates endless problems downstream. Gang cutting each pair of carcass pieces has worked very well for me. Even if a pair of the carcass pieces end up a small bit off the intended length, you will at least have equal length pairs. I use double stick tape to hold the 2 pieces together while gang cutting them on the tablesaw. Question: I want to use glue as the primary assembly method, reinforcing with nails. Especially with plywood I find this best. Any suggestions or hints for using glue when squaring a carcass? Glue with longer open time seems to be one idea, but is there anything else to do or use?

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Hi, thanks for your post. When it comes to old homes, I completely understand. Last old home I installed kitchen cabinets in the floor was over 1.5" off of level. Cabinet scribing can be a real pain. With respect to your comment, you are correct. to make your cut to the same length for your pairs is key when you can get it. I have on occasion been able to "square up" a cabinet when applying the face frame, rather than doing it when it when i build the carcass, when the cabinet doesn't yet have the back attached. Great job coming up with the double-faced tape idea. That works very well. With respect to your question, a couple things come to mind. First, glue is incredibly strong these days, so as long as you provide adequate clamping pressure, and as you said--enough open working time you should be just fine. Depending on the size of the cabinet i've been able to get away with Titebond II, but if it's really big, or complex, I'll use Titebond III just for the additional open working time. Other than that, You should be okay doing exactly what you said. Good luck! - Pat

[@jackbenny9000]

How do you get started helping build for Habitat for Humanity?

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Sorry, this is a late response, but I'm not sure what you are asking. If you mean getting on a crew, you just contact your local H4H and sign up to volunteer.

[@petercallaghan9851]

Love the jig.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

so glad!!

[@k.b.woodworker3250]

Great jig! I'm going to try it!

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Hope it worked!!

[@Philpro68]

Thank you!!! Great jig!!

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Thanks Philip! -Pat

[@Whippetfest]

Thank you! More tools for the tool chest in the head :)

[@WhisperWer]

thanks and VERY helpful!!

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

O Kirk My pleasure. Glad they helped. Thanks for watching and taking the time to post.

[@coplock6689]

great video. thanks for sharing

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Thank you. Appreciate the kind feedback. Thanks for watching!

[@chriss9340]

Yep.... I've been doing it wrong. Thanks, it helped tremendously.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

glad it helped!!

[@halojump123]

9:50 in, is where he starts, YOUR WELCOME.

[@dannyh.7490]

A better method to square up a cabinet , if it hasn't already been mentioned, is by using a "scissor brace" inside the cabinet. You can find out how to make and use one at the Popular Woodworking site .

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Yes, I like those too. Maybe I add to this video...thanks!

[@leeedwards3783]

Hi great Jig. Thanks for the time showing it. I have a probably silly question. I built a cabinet but cut the top part 5mm shorter than the bottom. Would it be possible to square it? Hehe

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Glad you like it! and i like your question - by technical definition, no because a square has four 90 degree corners. and once the top is shorter by 5mm, it can never be perfectly square. However, you can make it so that the diagonals are the same measurement if you center the upper rail with respect to the lower...you'll get a trapezoid :) Or maybe you're just pulling my leg :) - thanks for posting! Pat

[@metoyouto4450]

very good video i did learn good tips a little to much talking in the beginning but i will subscribe thanks foer a good video

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm definitley prone to monologue, will try to fix that :)

[@kathrynnewton8721]

Awh! I need the visuals. Good stuff though!

[@ronin6932]

I am building a drawer and the damn thing is really hard to square. Thinking to burn it, luckily I found this video. Thank you for sharing me the tips and tricks....

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Hah...i literally laughed out loud, so thanks for that. I've been there many times. Thanks for the post. -Pat

[@Warkive]

You provided excellent information on the topic (that last method was fantastic), but you also provided a LOT of barely related information. People looking up info like this usually have an immediate need they're trying to address and aren't really in the market for a 20m video. If you were building cabinets or making more of a design-type video, by all means, go long. But this video could have been 4-5 minutes long at most and would probably have a ton more views.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

True that. I talk too much :)

[@kathrynnewton8721]

Very helpful, I’ve just experienced exactly that - the back is not square!

[@pieterdeweerdt9141]

Last method great but edit it down to 3 minutes and see your ratings climb

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Thanks. I should do that lol. I added a note in the description to skip to minute 9:00 :). Maybe in can remake this video too :)

[@RenoScruggs]

Thank you sir for a great video. I am gonna subscribe to your KZbin. Thanks again

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

+steven reno Appreciate it very much. Thanks for watching and posting. -Pat

[@RenoScruggs]

My pleasure

[@HS-yk9he]

Very informative. thank you, just little repetitive

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Thanks for the feedback. Glad you liked it, and yeah, I tend to repeat things to try to remember what I'm saying lol. Will work on that.

[@michaelchilcott2408]

9

[@duczman76]

🤔 why a cabinet should be sqare? because it looks awful when not

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

HAHAAH...SO TRUE!!! I could have summed that up in 2 minutes :)

[@RunningCordoroy]

HOLY CERAP! THANK you!!!

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

lol...so glad you were entertained lol

[@liz9284]

Do we have to call it a carcass? LOL. And on a serious note...thx to others for telling me where the important part actually starts. Geez.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Yep, I talk a lot :). Thanks for watching.

[@liz9284]

DIYHomeBuilt not harshin ya, man, just wanted to know I was on the right track for what I needed, haha. Can’t tell you how many videos I’ve watched only to get to the end and say “hmm...what did I need again?” LOLZ. Thx for posting, it really did help me a bunch. Building a media cabinet myself for the first time, it’s been a learning experience. My husband thinks I’m crazy...

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Not worried about it. It's just kind of who I am. But I agree, sometimes I make 'em too long. I tried to add a text box to tell people to skip to minute 9:00, but youtube seems to no longer allow some annotations, so i just updated the comments sections. Thanks again for watching, and very cool that you decided to build a media cabinet!! It is definitely a learning experience.

[@jackbenny9000]

Great information, but a little too verbose.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Yes, others have also pointed out lol. I should update with a comment in the description that tells you the time in the video where the good stuff actually starts :)

[@SutchiroPete]

Verrrrry long winded. First 6 minutes is about "what is square", home construction, why is it important to be square. 9 minutes into the video and still not a single technique.

[@KalinLeonard]

Oh dear god, just say how to fix it already. 😒😒

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Hahahh...this made me laugh. Did you actually skip to the description? I told you to skip the first 9 minutes lol.

[@jeffreytartamella7403]

Knowledgeable but talk way too much.

[@kenadkins5]

That was a waste of 20 minutes

[@candidmoe8741]

I want to know how to square up things, so I searched and found this "Three ways to square up a Cabinet". Then the presenter wasted 6+ minutes explaining the importance of squaring things up ...

[@RCPoliComm]

Well, the title of the video ALSO says "and why you should!".... (Can you read?) Geesh. You're complaining about the fact that he explained first why it's crucial to make sure things are square? Unreal. Skip ahead to the parts you actually want to see. You do know that you can "fast forward" (skip to any point in the video you want simply by clicking there. It's like magic or something) KZbin videos, right?

[@candidmoe8741]

@@RCPoliComm Skip the parts? Great idea ... but where I must skip to ... ? I think a person looking for "squaring a cabinet" knows very well why it's important. And the video is too long and boring.

[@RCPoliComm]

@@candidmoe8741 Skip through until you find it. Is this really that hard? Honestly. It took me about 5 seconds to figure out when he was done talking about one thing and talking about the next thing. You've spent more time bitching about shit than just trying to do it. Typical.

[@candidmoe8741]

@@RCPoliComm OK, you win. Just give me back the 6 minutes I wasted here.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

I added a time to the description....go to the 9:00 minute mark. What's a waste of time for you, is time well spent for others.

[@jesterraj]

Hi i made a frame 53x23 but when i do a dia measurement one corner is almost a whole 1/4 inch off.............One corner is 58 and the other is 57 3/4 even thou i did square the corners it still off....any ideas????

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

sorry for the late reply. This is the hardest thing to overcome, when your stiles or rails are not exactly the same size. You can still try to square it using the methods outlined, but then it may still look funny. The other idea is to just try to install in such a way as to hide the error, for example, instead of 100% plumb, you could offset one order or the other to help hide some of the difference. Good luck!

[@davidletz9123]

From the world's best out-of-square master, I thank you for this video! Well done!

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

David Letz Thanks David, appreciate it. Thanks for watching and taking the time to post. Safe woodworking. - Pat

[@davidletz9123]

***** Pat, what are the approximate lengths of the 2x4s and the 3/4 " ply wood used for the squaring jigs?

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

David Letz Hi David. Anywhere between 12-16 inches is what i typically do. the longer the better, but with 2x4's sometimes they warp over longer distances. The plywood is around 12x12. They are just scrap blocks we had laying around. Thanks for watching and posting your question.

[@davidletz9123]

***** Thanks Pat...I also got rid of the rounded edges on the 2x4 on my table saw so the square can lie flush against it before screwing it down.

[@ashwatt2885]

Extremely clear and helpful, thanks very much.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Gald you found it useful!

[@roberthiday3342]

this video (the first of yours I have seen) is still relevant and helpful, even though it is almost 6 years old. That is a testament to what you have done. Ignore the negative comments. This helped me, I have some skills but 'squareness' has not been one of them so I sought this one out. just what I needed. thanks.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Thanks Robert. There's always someone who has to be negative, instead of constructive. I've used these methods for years without any issues. Thanks again!

[@smartbody2456]

I like the jigs, I too am into using jigs, I will be applying this method for sure!👍👍👍

[@mrusch32]

You are my new hero! This was a great fix for me. Very clear and concise! Thank you!

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Glad it helped...didn't even need my cape and tights lol

[@mykhelderian]

Excellent information. I'm sure you've just saved a lot of people such as myself from many hours of frustration. Thank you very much.

[@twylabowman3489]

Thank you!!!! Truly appreciate your knowledge. I was just about to throw my drawer out and it’s only 3/8s off.

[@28112811j]

I just started woodworking and my first challenge was my own kitchen cabinets which we decided to make them inset (way harder for me) and after I finished my first two base cabinets, none were square and realized that when I started making the drawers. I've been pulling my hair for the last two weeks. This video is definitely the best in how to solve a problem. I really thank you for the time and the help. Definitely making the last jig.

[@manit77]

Make cabinets for the garage first. Then it can be off. You also really need a good table saw with a good blade that is perfectly calibrated.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Yes, those are hard lessons to learn. When people ask me what's the hardest thing about making cabinets, my answer usually is "you have to learn to make mistakes and be okay with it". I've made many. I bet you won't forget this one :) And now you're an expert in squaring them up.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Definitely cut your teeth on garage cabinets to work out the kinks. You can also use a track saw to get decent results.

[@cbhorr5671]

Think the fitting of the back is gonna help me fix a crooked cabinet, where one door no longer shuts, is pulled up out of opening! Been trying to do this for wks!

[@nexor1948]

Sorry to burst your bubble! The second method can be used to square things up for glue and screw, not after. If you start "squeezing" (tampering) already glued and screwed corners of a wooden frame then you're weakening the joints.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

I'm still in my bubble, intact :). for very small infractions, you can still squeeze a little. Glue doesn't get that brittle until long after it cures. Yes, in theory, if the error is large enough, you can weaken the joints. However, if you're off say, a quarter inch (1/4), then all you have to do is shorten the long diagonal by 1/8. Assuming you are using fasteners as well, you're not going to weaken the joint. I've done this on furniture that is almost 20 years old. No weakness whatsoever.

[@deantokarsky5176]

Explains more why you need to square your carcasses than how to actually do it. Gave up after 6 minutes.

[@cbhorr5671]

Where can I find materials for clamps? Harbor Freight?

[@BrianPowersHomes]

The 3rd technique with those DIY jigs, can that same process/jig be used on a deeper cabinet like a base cabinet for your kitchen?

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Yes, absolutely.

[@christinafreiling6511]

Thank you for that great video! Very useful.

[@marklepage9290]

Pat i like the jig you made for squaring im building a jelly cabinet about 5 ft tall and was trying to square it up using only way i could think of using the pipe clamp way and fought with it for hrs ill be making the jig up soon thanks

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Thanks Mark. So glad it helps. I to struggled with this process early on. Thanks for watching and posting!

[@donalfredisaac]

Pat thanks for the video, very well and clearly explained with no hurry at all. There´s one thing I didn´t get though and it is do you have to square up the retaining board with the worktable? I mean the board you pushed against your jig and the cabinet.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

+Alfredo Isaac Hi. No the table is independent. The 2x4 "arms" on the jig help keep it square independent of the table. table is only used to clamp it to. Remember, all you need to do is to get the diagonals equal. Thanks for the complement and for watching and posting. -Pat

[@Benmeglei1]

Watching this in 2023. I see you haven’t posted in a while. Hope you are doing ok. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. 👊🏻

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Hey, thanks for reaching out. It's been awhile. KZbin is a great platform, but doing videos well (and I'm not saying I do this well) takes a lot of time to edit properly and it's painful. Hopefully I'll get back to it soon. Thank you again, and take care.

[@kathrynnewton8721]

How is that frame joined that you adjust it so easily!

[@shamsularfeen1676]

Thank you so much for this video..very useful technique..loved it.❤👍

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

My pleasure 😊

[@MehreKat]

Keep 'er movin'!

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

The video was designed to put you to sleep lol...did it work?

[@KeyWestSaltLife]

Awesome Video! I'm building cabinet carcasses right now and will be using your tips for squaring them. Great tip on the jigs. Also, I liked the math refresher too. I think some math students should watch this video so when they say, "When am I ever going to use this in real life, they'll know. Excellent Tips!

[@BrianPowersHomes]

In the 3rd method when you used your jig to force the cabinet back into square, I didn't see you do anything that will keep it in square once you remove your jig?

[@RCPoliComm]

I think he does that, and then fastens the backing on. The backing material will then hold it in square.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

exactly. You get it square, secure the back, remove the clamps.

[@mikemilam525]

Sure miss your videos.

[@samdlg]

Worked for me, thanks! Would just mention that if the carcass isn't budging, to remove from of the screws and keep trying.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Thanks for the comment. how is it that the carcass isn't budging? That's got me stumped. Unless something is attached to it that's preventing it from coming into square? just curious. Thanks for watching and taking the time to post.

[@samdlg]

Thing is my side panels had 6 pocket screws each...so I had to remove several of these to get some budge in the frame. I know...it's sort of a given for the experienced folks...but as a beginner it wasn't something too obvious for me to do...but thanks again!

[@AlexK07010]

Used 3rd method to square up the frame for a cabinet yesterday. Worked great but had an issue with it shifting around a bit even though it was clamped. How do you prevent it from shifting around when applying pressure?

[@jeffreygomez7360]

Thank u

[@carlosjimenez827]

La ultima idea es perfecta muchas gracias

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

de nada (hope I said that right :) )

[@TheSaltyPilgrim]

This is awesome. Thank you.

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

You're very welcome!

[@mikeletson1962]

Excellent tips on squaring up a cab. Thanks!

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikeletson1962]

@@HomeEvolutionShow I plan on implementing the third technique on an upcoming box which I plan on gluing up. The first box I learned real fast that normal wood glue was my enemy as it set up way to fast. I plan on using a long-set glue that takes about 20 minutes to set. Is that what you do?

[@bobbymcelvany2980]

Great information. The third method is the one I'll use on a project I'm building now that is just slightly out of square. Thanks!

[@ondrejroberto2896]

last jig good

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

thanks.

[@chickenbonelives]

Dude thanks for this!

[@HomeEvolutionShow]

Dude, totally my pleasure :) -Pat