How to Install Cabinet Hardware
How to Install Cabinet Hardware
The thought of installing cabinet hardware can be nerve wracking. The biggest challenge is keeping everything consistent. You want all the handles and knobs to be in the exact same position on every drawer and door. There are many drawers and doors in a kitchen so you will likely have to repeat the process about thirty times. That's why it's important to measure twice since you only have one chance to drill into your beautiful cabinets.
- First, you need to determine the position of the handles or knobs on the drawers or doors. It really is a matter of personal preference where you position the handles or knobs. However, a good rule of thumb is 2"-3" down from the top corner of a lower cabinet door, and 2"-3" up from the bottom corner of an upper cabinet door. For drawers, a good rule of thumb is the center of the drawer front, top to bottom, and side to side, for a single handle or knob. But again, it's a matter of personal preference and depending on the size of your drawers, you may want the placement of your handle higher up on the drawer.
- Always measure the back side of the handle hole pattern, center to center, where the mounting screws go, to get accurate spacing. Do not rely on the measurement that is stated on a description of a handle. Double check your measuring. You want to be sure that each set of holes are level and that the holes from one drawer to the next are level.
- After measuring and determining the placement of your handles or knobs, apply blue painters tape over the center of where the holes are to be drilled. The painters tape will help minimize chipping on the front side of the drawer or door. Mark on the painters tape with a pencil the exact area where the holes will be drilled.
- When drilling make sure to drill through the drawer or door very slowly to minimize chipping on the drawers and doors.
- Remove painters tape. When installing handles, use a screwdriver, not a drill. Make sure NOT to over tighten the screws.
Voila! Now you can enjoy your beautiful new decorative hardware!
Disclaimer
The listed tips above are just guidelines and not absolute, as every situation can be different. Therefore, Pulls N Handles and Hardware Essentials cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by drilling.