Let’s be real—drilling perfect shelf pin holes by hand sucks.
You line it up, take your time, and… it’s still off by just enough to look sloppy.
If you’re building garage cabinets or any DIY shelves, the Milescraft 1316 CabinetMate Shelf Pin Drilling Jig will make your life 10x easier. It’s simple, dead-accurate, and surprisingly affordable.
👉 Check the latest price on Amazon
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Why You Need the Milescraft CabinetMate in Your Workshop
You’ve probably dealt with:
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Shelves that don’t sit level
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Holes drilled “close enough” that still don’t line up
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Cabinet doors that squeak or sag because the hinges are off
That’s where this jig steps in. The Milescraft 1316 CabinetMate is built to solve all of that. It helps you drill clean, centered, perfectly spaced holes every time—without expensive gear or a ton of setup.
Get it on Amazon here if you’re ready to stop eyeballing every hole.
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What Makes This Jig Actually Worth Buying
✅ Perfect Shelf Pin Holes
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Comes with a ¼” spring-loaded brad point bit
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Self-centering so you can’t mess it up
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Gets the spacing right—without math or tape
✅ Onboard Storage
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Has a sealed compartment for your bit and indexing pins
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You won’t be digging around your toolbox every 10 minutes
✅ Marks Euro-Style Hinges
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Not just for shelf pins
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Use it to mark hinge locations like a pro
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No more crooked cabinet doors
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Here’s the Breakdown (Specs You Actually Care About)
| What You Get | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Drill Bit Size | ¼ inch – standard and reliable |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs – light, portable |
| Build Material | Durable plastic + steel combo |
| Drill Compatibility | Works with most cordless drills |
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How It Fits Into Your Projects
Whether you’re knocking out garage storage towers or building a utility cabinet, this jig earns its spot on your bench.
Here’s how to use it:
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Lay your panel flat and line up the jig
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Drill your holes straight through using the built-in guides
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Use the indexing pins to keep your spacing perfect
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Done. It’s that simple.
Need a clean plywood cut first? Pair this jig with the Kreg Rip-Cut Guide and you’re set.
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Real Pros and Cons (No Sugarcoating)
👍 What You’ll Love:
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Clean, centered holes
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Onboard bit/pin storage
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Makes hinge layout stupid simple
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Works with most drills
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Built to last
👎 What Might Trip You Up:
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You’ll want to practice on scrap first
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Not compatible with every drill press
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Common Questions You Might Have
🔧 Can I use it with a cordless drill?
Yep. It’s designed to work with most handheld drills. Just make sure it’s got enough torque.
📦 Does it come with a warranty?
Sure does. Limited lifetime warranty straight from Milescraft.
🧱 Can I drill other materials with it?
You can drill soft plastics or metals if you’re careful—but it’s made for wood. Adjust your speed and pressure.
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What Others Are Saying about the Milescraft 1316 CabinetMate
Most DIYers say the same thing:
“Why didn’t I get this sooner?”
They love how fast it is, how straight the holes are, and how it just makes the job easier. It’s not a gimmick—it’s a time-saver that gives pro results.
Ready to see what all the fuss is about?
Grab your CabinetMate on Amazon and put it to work this weekend.
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Compared to Other Shelf Pin Jigs
You might be eyeing the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig, and yeah, it’s solid too. But if you want a more budget-friendly option with the same accuracy and fewer moving parts, the CabinetMate holds its own.
Want to go deeper? Here’s a helpful comparison of top-rated shelf pin jigs from Woodsmith.
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Final Thoughts: Should You Grab One?
Absolutely. If you’re building anything with adjustable shelves, the Milescraft 1316 CabinetMate Shelf Pin Drilling Jig is a must-have. It’s fast, easy to use, and gives you professional results without spending a fortune.
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Bonus Tips to Get Even Cleaner Results
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Use a backer board behind your panel to prevent tear-out
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Mark your starting point and clamp the jig tight if needed
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Practice on scrap wood to get the feel for the bit and spacing
👉 Grab all our cabinet plans for just $10 here and put this jig to work the right way.
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