How to Make a Drilling Template

07 · Installation · Lesson 02 of 05

How to Make a Drilling Template

A template turns a resolved hardware position into a repeatable installation method.

01

Why use a drilling template?

A template turns a resolved hardware position into a repeatable installation method.

02

What should the template reference?

  • Choose fixed datum edges that exist on every matching front.
  • Mark hole centers with the exact bit size and orientation.
  • Test the jig on scrap and label top, left, right, and front.

03

How do I keep one mistake from repeating across the room?

  • Use a durable material that will not deform.
  • Recheck the jig periodically during a large installation.
  • Record the final layout for replacements and future phases.

04

What is the Inspire approach to make a drilling template?

Build templates around the visual system, not only the first door. Separate jigs may be worthwhile when upper doors, base doors, and drawers need distinct but related placements.

05

How can I tell if the drilling template is wrong?

Stop immediately and quarantine the template. Measure it against the exact hardware and governing datum, then check every front drilled with it. Do not “correct” the jig by eye while production continues.

  • Using a flexible paper template for a long run.
  • Flipping an asymmetric jig accidentally.
  • Assuming all fronts are identical.

06

What should I do after a template produces a bad hole?

Choose the repair for the damaged front before drilling another one. Rebuild and label the template, test it on scrap, and approve one complete installation on the least-visible representative condition.

  • Record orientation, product, spacing, datum, and revision on the template.
  • Destroy or clearly disable the incorrect jig.
  • Inspect the full run for mirrored, shifted, or cumulative errors.

07

Where can I learn more?

Optional project tool

Apply this lesson

Open a worked example and a printable page for recording the condition, source, decision, and stopping point.

Apply this lesson

How to Make a Drilling Template

What might this look like on a real project?

A right-hand drawer-front jig must be labeled so it cannot be flipped for a left-hand door; test both orientations on scrap before the first finished front.

A good result looks like this

A durable, labeled, tested jig tied to the approved datum and periodically rechecked during the installation run.

Project notes

Bring this lesson into your project.

Use one page for each condition that needs its own answer. Write it down before the affected work is ordered, issued, fabricated, installed, published, or repeated.

You can also save this page as a PDF from the print window. Confirm project-specific requirements with the source responsible for the actual work.

Products to study for this lesson

Auburn Cabinet PullsWhy it is hereAuburn Cabinet PullsUse the product drawing and instructions to prepare the datum, drilling pattern, fastener, clearance, protection, and first-piece inspection.View product →Bold Cabinet PullsWhy it is hereBold Cabinet PullsUse the product drawing and instructions to prepare the datum, drilling pattern, fastener, clearance, protection, and first-piece inspection.View product →Orbital Cabinet PullsWhy it is hereOrbital Cabinet PullsUse the product drawing and instructions to prepare the datum, drilling pattern, fastener, clearance, protection, and first-piece inspection.View product →

Exact size, finish, mounting requirements, suitability, and availability must be confirmed on the product page and against the project conditions.

Reviewed by Inspire Hardware · 2026-08-30