Tried a new way to attach drawer fronts and it actually saved me time

I've been building cabinets for about 8 years now and always used the clamp-and-glue method for drawer fronts. Last week I tried using double-sided tape to temporarily hold the front in place while I screwed it from the inside. Thought it would be a mess but honestly it worked way better than I expected. No more juggling clamps and fighting with alignment. The tape held firm enough that I could check the gaps before committing. I did mess up one drawer where the tape grabbed too hard and pulled the finish a bit though. Has anyone else tried this and found a tape that releases easy?

3 comments

3 Comments

hart.mark1mo ago

Grab the 3M tape from the automotive section next time. The stuff they sell for emblems is strong enough to hold the drawer front but actually lets go when you pull it. I learned that lesson the hard way too after pulling half a veneer off with some construction grade garbage. The woodworking stores sell their own brand too but it's basically the same tape for twice the price.

johnson.jesse1mo ago

Did you try heating it up with a hair dryer first?

verar211mo ago

Did you try a specific brand of double-sided tape or just grab whatever was in the shop? Because that pull on the finish sounds like you might have used something meant for heavier duty work, like carpet tape.