Installing Cabinet Knobs And Pulls
by Robin
Whether you have recently finished installing new cabinets or you simply want to update your old cabinet knobs, installing cabinet knobs and pulls is a relatively easy home improvement project. It will probably be more difficult to choose the knobs and pulls from the wide variety available than to install them. But there are some key things you need to consider when installing cabinet knobs; after all you don’t want to drill new holes in your cabinets and realize you’ve made a mistake.
Installing Cabinet Knobs And Drawer Pulls
Once you have your new cabinet hardware you will want to measure the depth of the doors and drawers to make sure the screws that came with the knobs and pulls will work for your cabinet know installation project. In most cases the screws that came with the hardware should fit, but if they aren’t deep enough you may need to buy screws that are a little longer. Ideally the screw should go through the cabinetry and allow about 3/8″ to attach to the knob for the best fit.
Next you will want to test the position of the cabinet handles. You want them to be functional, but you also want to make sure you like the way they look. Often times door handles or knobs are placed in the lower corner and drawer handles or knobs are placed in the center (at least lengthwise).
Once you find the right spot, measure to make sure all the cabinet knobs will be in the same position on the door or drawer. You may want to make a template to make this easier, especially if you have a lot of cabinets. Or easier yet you can buy a template specifically designed to help you install cabinet knobs. You can find them either at a local hardware store or at Amazon.
When measuring drawer pulls or cabinet handles that require 2 screws be sure to measure from the center of one screw hole to the other. Also make sure each handle is level, and make sure the row of knobs or pulls along the cabinetry is level.
Installing Cabinet Pulls
Note: Measuring and marking the correct spot to drill is one of the most important steps. Make sure you double check to verify you have measured and marked correctly. You don’t want to drill holes in the wrong place.
To choose the correct drill bit, find the bit that fits most tightly into the screw hole on the knob or pull. If the hole you drill is too small you will need to re-drill with a larger bit, but drilling too small to start with is better than drilling too big. If you drill too large of a hole the knob or pull may feel wobbly or loose.
Next it is time to drill. Keep the door or drawer open while you drill so you don’t accidentally drill into another area of the cabinet. When you drill your holes make sure you drill perpendicular or straight into the cabinetry. If you drill at an angle the cabinet hardware won’t fit as tightly as it should.
Now it is time to get the screws and attach the knobs and pulls. You can do this either by twisting the knob onto the screw or by using a screwdriver. You can get them tight enough by simply using your hands and a screwdriver.
Replacing Old Cabinet Knobs And Pulls
If you are simply updating your cabinet knobs the job may turn out to be quite easy if you can find the right pieces. The right pieces being knobs and pulls that will fit into your existing holes. If you want to make your cabinet knob installation project easier you will want to replace each cabinet knob with another knob and each drawer pull with another pull of the same size as the one you are replacing. In many cases this shouldn’t be too difficult.
But if the new knobs and pulls you have chosen don’t fit into the existing holes you have a couple of options. You can use wood putty to fill the holes or better yet use a cabinet knob backplate.
Using Cabinet Backplates
Cabinet Backplate with Cabinet Knob
Cabinet backplates can be used for a few reasons: to enhance the look of the cabinet door hardware, to protect the finish of the cabinet, or to cover existing holes from old cabinet knobs or drawer pulls.
A backplate is used along with knobs and pulls. It sits between the surface of the cabinetry and the knob or pull. If you are going to use a cabinet backplate you need to choose one that matches the look and style of the cabinet knobs and pulls you will be using, or instance if you are using oil rubbed bronze cabinet knobs you will need a matching oil rubbed bronze cabinet backplate.
Installing cabinet knobs and pulls yourself is an easy way to save a little money or to add a new look to your existing cabinetry without spending a lot. Installing kitchen cabinet knobs is an easy way to update and personalize your kitchen as kitchen cabinet knobs are especially noticeable.