Cool Tools
This is simply a list of things that I or a GoodProfitGroup member have run across or used, that we think you might like too. If our objective is to make more money now and in the future, then we need to focus on the things that will elevate or break our Constraint (weakest link), but there is another reason you might purchase a tool on this list that you think will be beneficial, but not actually elevate or break your Constraint, and that is the good ole tax write-off (if you are making money, then you WILL NEED a few deductions to lower your tax liability). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Office
Notion
One of the best tools I have in my COOL toolbox. Notion's block (think LEGO) based workspace lets you utilize solutions others have built (like my Custom Cabinet Planner template), or build your own with no coding required.
Scale Master Pro
This unit is ideal for getting linear footage from blueprints, or even copies of blueprints that are no longer to scale (you can set a custom scale based on any known length). A perfect companion for Custom Cabinet Estimator software.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD-2TB
If you are running out of disk space, or need a place to park your Cloud Drive app (e.g., Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.) so your cloud drive files don't fill up your PC or Laptop disk drive, then this is the perfect solution.
Buy on Amazon.com
Logitech C922X Webcam
If you do virtual meetings, and your PC or Laptop does not have a Webcam or has a poor-quality camera, you need one of these HD 1080p Webcams.
I don't have any personal experience with this particular model, but the older Logitech model I do own has been a workhorse, and I've never had an issue with it. Several GoodProfitGroup members have this camera, and it provides a high-quality image, and also dual microphones.
Smooth Gimbal
If you want to enable yourself to make high-quality videos for documenting processes, plant tours, social media posts, etc., then you will want to get a high-quality Gimbal like this one.
Buy on Amazon.comField Measure
Digital Angle Finder (protractor)
This is a must-have tool when field measuring. It's perfect for determining angled wall angles, but also confirming the accuracy of 90-degree corners.
Laser Distance Measure
There is no faster way to field measure a project, much less a more accurate way. Plus these units allow you to measure hard things like tall ceiling heights and window centers without assistance. This particular unit has Bluetooth, which communicates with the Bosch MeasureOn app, allowing you to send data from the laser device to the app when measuring a project.
Tripod Laptop Stand
Use this stand at job sites when field measuring and installing. Can be used for your Laptop if you are paperless, or for your paper drawings if you are "Old School".
Buy on Amazon.com
Laptop Harness
Use this as an alternative to the Tripod Laptop Stand above. You can take your laptop to a job site, and instead of collecting measurements to enter into your design software later, just go ahead and draw the walls and be done with that part of the process.
Buy on Amazon.com
Photo Measures App
This app has been the best way for cabinetmakers to field measure for a good number of years now, as you have an image of the field conditions, along with your dimensions (I can't tell you how many times I have referenced these images later to figure something out, or how many times these images answered a critical question).
The alternative suggested by GoodProfitGroup member Michael Glaser is to just take your laptop with you, and use the Tripod or Laptop Harness shown above to have your Laptop where you need it, and go ahead and draw the walls with windows and doors while you are there.
Buy on Apple App Store
Notability App
If you don't take your laptop with you to double check field measurements in your Design Software, then this is a great app for making notes on a PDF version of your drawings.
Buy on Apple App Store
Shop and Installation
Extra Large Binder Clips
From the image you probably have no idea why I have this on the Cool-Tools list, but GoodProfitGroup member John McGinnis of TrueGrain Cabinets showed how he uses these instead of masking tape to bind his rolls of edgebanding after they have been used. This is a brilliant solution to a very common problem.
FastCap Drawer Drilling Jig
Use this to pre-drill for attaching your drawer boxes to your Drawer fronts.
S&H Drawer Jig
This tool was one of the best investments I ever made (True32 Corporation commissioned the first 40" models way back in the day, before that, 28" was the widest their jig would go). Ultimately we ended up getting a second jig for the installation vehicle for those times the surface hardware had to be drilled in the field.
S&H Door Jig
This one is new to me (never had the pleasure of using it), but it looks to be equally well-designed and useful.
True Position II Drill Jig
This jig is one of the most versatile tools you will ever own. You will end up doing things with this jig that it was never intended to do. This jig and the two above are perfect examples of ways to "Remove the opportunity for mistake from the process" and "Set the next person up for success" while at the same time "keeping it simple Stuart".
Buy on Amazon.com
Cabinet Plumbing Jig
INSTALL SINK CABINETS 3X FASTER - Our Cabinet Plumbing Jig eliminates the challenges associated with measuring the location and finding the center of sink pipes and electrical outlets. Just set the jig arms, transfer the jig to the back of your cabinet, and mark the pipe and outlet locations.
FastCap Fatboy Pencil
Wayne Burns purchased one of these and showed it to me shortly after while we were at one of his job sites. All I could think of was how I would have loved to have had this back when I was field-measuring and installing cabinets. Combined with the True32 Tape Measure, you have a potent team of tools for field measuring and installation (the True32 Tape has a built-in pencil sharpener).
FastCap True32 Tape Measure
This tape measure was the result of a joint venture between Paul Akers at FastCap and the True32 community. If you choose to operate in metric (there are a lot of advantages that are not all self-evident), this is the ultimate tape measure. It has a small bubble at the top of each 32mm increment tick mark, it reads right side up no matter which way you pull the tape, and it has the most common vanity, base, and upper cabinet height and positions identified for you. And, it has the True32 Golden Rules printed right on the tape (and all the other cool FastCap features like a built-in pencil sharpener, recessed hook to minimize damage from a drop, tape lock and it’s a wide enough blade to not collapse on long extensions).
Suspenders
I have never worn suspenders in my entire life, but I ordered a set along with a pair of Duluth Trading pants with built-in knee pad pockets to have for an upcoming Cabinetry installation I was going to help with. The pants arrived before the three-day installation, so I had them for day one, and the suspenders arrived a day later, so I had them for the second and third days of the installation.
I NOW LOVE THESE SUSPENDERS (when I plan to wear a belt)!
Suspenders
After discovering the suspenders above, I found that I wanted to wear them daily, but I don't like to wear a belt when I'm just working in the office, so I decided to give these Hikers a try, and they are perfect for those days you don't want to wear a belt, but you still don't want your pants sagging.
I NOW LOVE THESE SUSPENDERS (when I DON'T plan to wear a belt)!
19 Pocket Tool Belt
I am a long-time user of the Duluth Trading Company Tool Belt, but if I needed to replace it, I would choose this one over the Duluth version because of the dedicated tape measure clip, and that the hammer loops will also hold some cordless drills.
I WILL NOT WORK WITHOUT A GOOD LIGHTWEIGHT TOOL BELT!
Estwing Dead Blow Mallet
A Dead Blow Mallet is an essential tool for the True32 FrameZERO Manufacturer, as this is what is needed to drive in Suspensions Blocks and Leg Sockets in the Plant, and to drive Leg Levelers home in the field.
- DEADBLOW TECHNOLOGY – Head holds vibration dampening shot for increase power & control, far exceeding a standard rubber mallet.
- POLYURETHANE HANDLE WITH STEEL CORE- Designed with extreme durability for the toughest jobs in mind.
- NO-SLIP CUSHION GRIP - Comfortable, durable vinyl grip for a strong hold in all conditions.
Kneel-it
I can think of a lot of ways I could utilize this, but adjusting base doors and drawers stands out as one that would happen quicker with less effort and pain. The older I get, the more these kinds of tools get my attention.
Finishing
FUJI Q5 Platinum Finishing System
This FUJI Q5 finishing system will come very close to any good air-assist finishing system without the need for clean, dry compressed air, so can save quite a bit on the investment side of the equation, and makes finishing in the field not only possible but convenient.
FUJI Pressure Pot
2.5-quart FUJI pressure pot. The FUJI gravity guns are great, but when the Gravity cup is full, it’s heavy and makes horizontal finishing very hard on your wrists. This pressure pot not only solves that problem, but allows you to spay at any angle, and get into tight spaces.
Delivery and Installation
Appliance Hand Trucks
This Appliance Hand Truck is perfect for delivering cabinetry and makes it possible for single-person delivery. It has large non-marring wheels, so it works well on all types of soft and hard surfaces, climbs stairs easily, has a self-retracting strap to secure the cabinet to the hand truck, and this one has the optional retractable back wheels that make handling the cabinetry once in hard surface much easier.
This is not the least expensive option by any means, but it is one of the very few options that allow a single person to deliver a job without risking injury.
TOGGLER SNAPTOGGLE Drywall Anchor
These are perfect for anchoring suspension rail at the end of a run where you don't have a stud.
- Great for hanging flat screen TV's, grab bars, hand rails, cabinets and much more
- HOLDS 2X MORE THAN WING TOGGLES - Holds up to 1,080 lbs in concrete block and up to 265 lbs in 1/2-in drywall (Industry standards recommend 1/4 of this ultimate load per anchor)
- SMALLEST DRILL HOLE - Requires a 1/2-in drill bit
- MADE IN USA
- Bolts are 1/4" - 2-1/2" bolts (included)
Laser Distance Measure
There is no faster way to field measure a project, much less a more accurate way. Plus these units allow you to measure hard things like tall ceiling heights and window centers without assistance. This particular unit has Bluetooth, which communicates with the Bosch MeasureOn app, allowing you to send data from the laser device to the app when measuring a project.
18" Folding Stool
This stool is ideal when laying out Base and Vanity cabinets, and measuring for plumbing and electrical outlets. It's also really useful when drilling and installing Base and Vanity surface hardware (if you have to do that onsite), as well as adjusting Base and Vanity Doors and Drawers.
Carbide Tipped Hole Saws
These hole saws are effective and fast, and last a lot longer than bi-metal hole saws, are easier to clear the hole plug from the saw, and the mandrel is quick and easy to move from one saw to another.
Cabinetizer 76 Lift
This unit makes single-person installs possible, but it is also useful even if you have a full crew. The base works really well to transport large cabinets around the plant, or from the delivery vehicle to the building the cabinets will be installed in, or around the job site.
By the way, the base will fit on the ramp of a typical box truck, so you can roll large cabinets out of the truck rather than having to manhandle them out of the truck.
The unit breaks down into a base, two upright supports, and the jack unit and includes a separate base meant to be used to install upper cabinets on top of base cabinets, so it's easy to pack into your vehicle.
Viking Arm Jack
These things can be life (and back) savers and are just tall enough to allow you to jack a heavy cabinet up high enough to get the Cabinetizer shown above under the cabinet (easy peasy lemon squeezy).
There is no better tool for installing applied ends, especially tall applied ends. Once you have these, you will find all kinds of uses for them.
The cheap knockoffs are not equal in quality or effectiveness, this is one of those things where it is worth paying more for the best (the incremental lowering trigger makes these worth their cost).
Festool Cordless Track Saw
If you can afford it, this is the ultimate Track Saw (cordless makes these track saws so much more useful).
- The kickback stop helps to reduce the risk of injury from kickback when sawing or plunging the tool into the workpiece
- Concentrated torque and up to twice as fast work progress with an increased saw blade service life
- Brushless EC-TEC motor combined with lithium-ion batteries for maximum cutting power
- Low-dust mobile working thanks to dust collection bag or an extractor with Bluetooth automatic switch-on
- The kickback stop can be deactivated for individual cuts
- Top-class sawing system thanks to a variety of accessories
DeWalt Cordless Track Saw
If you can't afford the Festool Track Saw above, this is the next best thing (cordless makes these track saws so much more useful).
- Zero clearance TrackSaw cutting system delivers straight, splinter-free, precise cuts
- On track cut depth: 2-1/8" @90 degrees and 1-5/8" @ 45 degrees; depth of cut scale accurately accounts for thickness of track
- Continuous Anti-Kickback mechanism and riving knife prevent kickback when engaged
- Straight plunge mechanism for optimal ergonomics
- Universal 1-1/4" dust port for 90% efficient dust collection with vacuum
- *Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18
DeWalt 12” Miter Saw
- Flexible - power of corded. Freedom of cordless. The world's first battery that automatically changes voltage when you change tools
- Runtime; Up to 289 Cross Cuts in 3-1/4" baseboard molding
- Powerful 120V Brushless motor provides longer runtime compared to Brushed motors
- CUTLINE blade positioning system; adjustment free cutline indicator
- 120V AC adapter; corded or cordless power delivers ultimate flexibility
- *Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18.
DeWalt 7-1/4” Miter Saw
If a 7-1/4" Miter Saw will serve all your cutting needs, this might be the only saw you need, but I see this saw as a perfect tool for cutting Suspension Rail (by replacing the saw blade with a 7-1/4" cutting wheel), plus you can add the standard DeWalt Miter Saw Mounting Brackets and mount it to the same Miter Saw Stand you use for your primary saw, and have all the benefits of the extensions AND NOT WORKING ON THE GROUND.
DeWalt 3” Cut Off Tool
If the 7-1/4" Miter Saw is more than you want to spend just to cut Suspension Rail, this is an inexpensive alternative.
DeWalt Miter Saw Stand
I have used this stand for many years, and love almost everything about it. I have tried alternatives, some more expensive, some less, but none were as effective, and several were a lot more expensive.
In my opinion, the sole weakness is the height adjustment on the extensions (they work, but not as well as they could with a little better engineering.
I will not operate a miter saw on the ground, and I won't even attempt to use a miter saw without some sort of stand with extensions, and this one is first-rate, even if you have another brand of saw.
DeWalt Job Site Blower
The best way to clean off your saws when you're ready to pack them up for the day, and to clean up the job site. Super small and lightweight, but powerful enough for job site cleanup.
FastCap Saw Hood
This may seem like overkill, but it’s really the least we can do when we need to cut inside a client's house or garage, and I even used it when cutting outside. In reality, it makes cutting inside an option for remodels, where that’s just not cool without it. I think this is very Chick-fil-A’ish (makes you look like you mean it when you say you respect and care about your client's home and personal effects).
REEKON M1 Measuring Tool
I have not had the pleasure of actually using one of these YET, but GoodProfitGroup member, Aaron Tew got one and feels like it is really helpful (from the videos I've seen, I have to agree). The applications I have seen look just like our process for cutting toe kick material, so at the very least it will speed that process up significantly.
U-Scribe Jig
This jig works great for scribing Fillers (aka: scribes) to walls, Frieze to ceilings and Toe Kick to floors.
FastCap Accuscribe
Can be used in conjunction with the U-Scribe Jig above, or for any of your other scribe marking needs.
- Scribing tool with adjustable grip for standard pencils
- Easily maintain consistent scribe offset, keeping parallel to surface every time
- Durable polymer construction
- 5-3/4. inches long
SimpleScribe
Can be used in conjunction with the U-Scribe Jig above, or for any of your other scribe marking needs.
✅Easy to Use: Simple Scribe Scribing tool is designed in a way that it never needs setting and is simple to use.
✅Seven offsets: The pencil scribe tool features seven offsets ranging between 1/4″ and 1″ to meet different needs.
✅High-quality: This carpentry tool is made of high-quality material to ensure functionality and durability.
✅Lightweight and Portable: The multifunctional scriber tool is lightweight and is easy to carry wherever required.
✅Saves Time and Money: This marking tool not only makes the tasks easier but also saves a lot of time and resources.
Thingamejig
Can be used in conjunction with the U-Scribe Jig above, or for any of your other scribe marking needs.
- Our Scribing Tool utilises tungsten carbide blades to scribe laminates, painted Items, stone, soft metals, timber, veneers and much more.
- Single handed use freeing up one hand to steady the item you are scribing.
- Reduces chipping when scribing and trimming paint, laminates and across timber grain.
- Ability to accurately retrace your lines.
- Increased occupational health and safety by freeing up one hand to steady yourself when scribing while standing on a ladder.
Hot Stuff 2000 CA Adhesive
Great for gluing molding joints, super fast drying.
- Bonds in 20-60 seconds
- Thick viscosity, similar to honey
- Can bond porous and non-porous materials
- Can fill gaps up to 1/8"
- Adheres wood, metal, rubber, nitrile, composites, many plastic types, and more
Long Flat Head and Phillips Head Screwdrivers
The Phillips head screwdriver is ideal for adjusting suspension blocks as your hand is either outside the cabinet or far enough away from the block to allow easy turning of the screwdriver.
The Flat head screwdriver is ideal for adjusting back leg levelers (the legs have slots in the bottom portion, and you can stick the screwdriver into the slot and turn the legs). If you choose to use the Hafele Axilo legs, you probably won’t need this screwdriver.
FastCap PROHOLD
Keep you power bits and the screws you need at hand. SUPER convenient.
Erwin Quick-Grip Squeeze Clamps
These small Quick-Grip Squeeze Clamps are the best I have used for holding cabinets together during the installation processes. They are big enough to get the job done, but small enough to not be eternally in your way.
- Non-marring pads grip firmly and protect workpieces
- One-handed Quick-Release trigger releases the clamp instantly
- Ideal for clamping smaller workpieces and working in confined areas
- 35 lbs. of clamping force
- 1-3/16" throat depth
Knee Pad Pants
Knee pads tend to be uncomfortable, and cut off circulation. With these pants that have pockets for the knee pads, both issues are resolved, plus you have some pretty cool storage options in these pants.
According to GoodProfitGroup member Wayne Burns, these are great in cold or cool months, but are a little to thick for hot days.
Knee Pad Pants
Knee pads tend to be uncomfortable, and cut off circulation. With these pants that have pockets for the knee pads, both issues are resolved, but if you don't like the holster pockets like the pants above, and like a lighter weight pant for hotter months, these are perfect.
According to GoodProfitGroup member Wayne Burns, the stretch fabric is really nice.
Laser Level
The laser level has improved a ton since it was introduced to cabinet installation.
Having a removable/rechargeable battery is awesome, and being able to control it remotely is huge when installing your upper cabinets (you don't have to have a ladder to turn it on and off).
This laser level allows you to cast a laser line super close to the ceiling and can be controlled by your smartphone with an app (very handy for tall ceiling projects).
Laser Level Tripod
This is ideal for setting your laser level up anywhere you need it. It is the most flexible solution I have ever used.
Spirit Levels
There are no better spirit levels available. In all the years I had mine, never had to replace a single one of them.
FastCap Fatboy Pencil
Wayne Burns purchased one of these and showed it to me shortly after while we were at one of his job sites. All I could think of was how I would have loved to have had this back when I was field-measuring and installing cabinets. Combined with the True32 Tape Measure, you have a potent team of tools for field measure and installation (the True32 Tape has a built-in pencil sharpener).