Cabinetmakers use a variety of measuring and setting-out tools when they're making cabinets in the workshop.

Some of these tools, like tape measures and squares, are also used on-site when the units are being installed.

There are various other tools you can also use on-site to measure lengths, check levels and mark set-out lines.

Below are the main items used in the workshop and on-site for these purposes.

Measuring lengths and dimensions

Tape measure                                                                                                                     
For general measuring tasks, such as marking lines, checking dimensions and site measure-ups.

Steel rule                                                                                                                     
Very rugged, good for fine measurements, also able to be used as a straight edge.

Folding rule                                                                                                                     
Not so popular these days, but still sometimes used by carpenters.

Vernier caliper                                                                                                                     
Used for measuring thicknesses and diameters very precisely.

Laser distance meter                                                                                                                     
Measures lengths digitally with a laser beam.

Setting out angles

The most common hand-held tools used to set out angles are:

Carpenter's square                                                                                                                     
Used to draw or check right angles, and also to set out other angles.

Combination square                                                                                                                     
Allows you to set out 90° and 45° angles.

Bevel                                                                                                                      
Lets you set any angle you like.

Protractor                                                                                                                      
Like a bevel, but has the degrees marked in an arc.

Electronic angle finder                                                                                                                     
Provides a digital readout of the angle formed by the arms.

Checking and marking levels

Spirit level                                                                                                                      
Uses a bubble to show whether a line or surface is level (perfectly horizontal) or plumb (perfectly vertical).

Laser level                                                                                                                     
For projecting level and plumb lines on walls.

Checking and marking straight lines

Straight edge                                                                                                                      
For checking flatness and drawing long straight lines.

Chalk line                                                                                                                      
For marking set-out lines across a floor or along a wall.