Squaring Jig

This handy tool guarantees square joints.

Photography by Brian Francis

Squaring Jig

Whether you're assembling a door, drawer, or box, just clamp the sides of your project to this jig. Because the aluminum angles form a 90-degree angle, your parts will be perfectly square.

Instructions: General

Cut and label the parts as needed, using the Cut List as a guide and adjusting for fit.

  1. Lay out and drill the angle holes.
    • Cut an aluminum angle into two pieces using a hacksaw.
    • Lay out the holes on the (01) aluminum angles as shown in the hole pattern diagram in Figure 1.
    • Create a starting point for each hole using a center punch and hammer.
    • Drill a 3/16-inch hole at each location, and remove any burrs with a flat mill file.
  2. Apply a finish and preassemble.
    • Apply polyurethane to the (02) base.
    • Apply self-adhesive sandpaper to the bottom of both (01) aluminum angles to help prevent them from shifting during use.
  3. Assemble the jig.
    • Position one (01) aluminum angle 2 1/4 inches from the corner and flush with one edge of the (02) base as shown in Figure 1. Secure the (01) aluminum angle to the (02) base with pan-head screws placed in every other hole.
    • Position one leg of a framing square against the (01) aluminum angle as shown in Figure 2.
    • Clamp the framing square to the (02) base, and butt the remaining (01) aluminum angle against the other leg of the framing square.
    • Once positioned, clamp the remaining (01) aluminum angle to the (02) base, 2 1/4 inches from the same corner, and secure it with pan-head screws placed in every other hole. This will position the (01) aluminum angles so that they form an exact 90-degree angle.
Tools You'll Use
  • drill press and a 3/16-inch drill bit (or drill/driver)
  • center punch and hammer
  • framing square
  • hacksaw
  • flat mill file clamps
  • tape measure
  • paintbrush
  • pencil
Illustration

Squaring Jig - Figure 1-2

Cut List

#

PART NAME

QUANTITY

MATERIAL

SIZE (in inches)

01 aluminum angles 2 aluminum angle 2 x 2 x 20
02 base 1 plywood 3/4 x 24 x 24

Finished Dimensions:
Height: 2 3/4 inches
Depth: 24 inches
Width: 24 inches

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Project Details
Skill level: Beginner
Lumber*
  • 1 sheet of plywood, 3/4-inch x 2- x 2-foot
Hardware & Supplies
  • 1 (1/8-inch-thick) aluminum angle, 2- x 2-inch x 4-foot
  • 1 package (#10 x 3/4-inch) pan-head wood screws
  • 1 roll (80-grit) self-adhesive sandpaper
  • 1 gallon of polyurethane (Cabot Interior Oil-Based Polyurethane)

*Availability varies by market.

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