Can you put handles on kitchen drawers yourself? Absolutely! With a few basic tools and a little guidance, you can easily give your kitchen cabinets a fresh new look by putting handles on kitchen drawers. It’s a rewarding DIY project that’s surprisingly straightforward.
Drawer pulls installation might seem daunting, but it’s a task most homeowners can tackle with confidence. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right hardware to the final tightening of screws. We’ll cover everything you need to know about cabinet hardware mounting, ensuring your new handles are perfectly aligned and securely attached.
Gathering Your Tools and Materials
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. This will make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools:
- Drill: A cordless drill is ideal.
- Drill Bits: You’ll need a drill bit for cabinet knobs. The size depends on the screws that come with your hardware. Usually, a 1/8-inch or 3/16-inch bit works well for pilot holes.
- Measuring Tape: For accurate placement.
- Pencil: To mark drilling points.
- Screwdriver: Matching the screw heads of your drawer pulls. A Phillips head is common.
- Level: To ensure your handles are straight.
- Painter’s Tape: To help with marking and preventing damage.
Essential Materials:
- Drawer Pulls or Knobs: Choose styles that complement your kitchen décor.
- Screws: These usually come with your chosen hardware. Ensure you have the correct screw size for drawer pulls to avoid issues.
Choosing the Right Drawer Pulls and Knobs
The style and size of your drawer pulls can significantly impact your kitchen’s appearance.
Factors to Consider:
- Style: Modern, traditional, rustic, industrial – pick a style that matches your cabinets and overall kitchen aesthetic.
- Size and Projection: Larger pulls offer a more substantial feel, while smaller knobs are more subtle. Consider how far the pull will stick out from the drawer front.
- Finish: Brushed nickel, polished chrome, brass, matte black – finishes can tie in with your faucet, lighting, or other hardware.
- Ergonomics: How comfortable is the pull to grip? Especially important for frequently used drawers.
Locating the Perfect Position for Your Drawer Pulls
Accurate placement is key to a professional-looking finish.
Measuring and Marking:
- Measure Drawer Width: Note the width of your drawer front.
- Find the Center: Most often, you’ll want to place hardware in the center of the drawer front. Measure the width of the drawer front and mark the halfway point.
- Determine Vertical Placement: For most drawers, centering the hardware vertically is standard. Measure the height of the drawer front and mark the halfway point.
- Consider Existing Holes (if applicable): If you are replacing old hardware, measure the distance between the existing holes to ensure your new hardware will fit or if you need to drill new holes.
Using a Hardware Placement Jig (Recommended)
A hardware placement jig is an invaluable tool for ensuring consistent and precise placement, especially if you have multiple drawers.
- What it is: A jig is a template that helps you mark hole locations accurately. Some are adjustable to fit various hardware centers.
- How to use it:
- Align the jig with the edge of your drawer front.
- Use the jig’s guides to mark your drilling points with a pencil.
- This method is especially helpful for attaching drawer fronts that have multiple attachment points or for achieving perfect symmetry.
Drilling the Holes
This is where you’ll create the openings for your screws.
Preparing the Drawer Front:
- Protect the Surface: If you’re drilling through a painted or finished surface, you can place a piece of painter’s tape over the marked spot. This helps prevent the drill bit from chipping the finish.
- Ensure a Stable Surface: Make sure the drawer front is firmly supported while you drill.
Drilling Technique:
- Select the Right Drill Bit: As mentioned, a drill bit for cabinet knobs should be slightly larger than the diameter of the screw shaft but smaller than the screw head. This creates a snug hole for the screw.
- Drill Straight: Hold your drill perpendicular to the drawer front. A steady hand is important.
- Drill Depth: Only drill as deep as the screw. You don’t want to drill all the way through the drawer front if the screw isn’t long enough.
- Pilot Holes: Drilling pilot holes makes it easier to start the screw and prevents wood from splitting, especially in softer woods.
Attaching the Drawer Fronts (If Necessary)
Sometimes, you might need to remove and reattach drawer fronts for easier hardware installation or if the drawer front itself needs adjustment.
- Removing the Drawer Front: Carefully detach the drawer front from the drawer box. This usually involves unscrewing it from the inside of the drawer. Keep track of the screws used.
- Reattaching the Drawer Front: Once the hardware is installed, realign the drawer front with the drawer box. Use the original screw holes or new ones if you’ve repositioned the hardware. Ensure it’s square and flush before screwing it back in place. This is crucial for drawer slide attachment to function correctly.
Installing the Drawer Pulls and Knobs
This is the final step in attaching your new hardware.
For Drawer Pulls (with two screw holes):
- Align the Pull: Position the drawer pull over the drilled holes.
- Insert Screws: From the inside of the drawer, insert the screws through the drawer front and into the holes of the drawer pull.
- Tighten Gradually: Use your screwdriver to tighten the screws. Tighten them evenly, alternating between each screw, to ensure the pull sits flush against the drawer. Don’t overtighten, as this can strip the holes or damage the hardware.
For Drawer Knobs (with one screw hole):
- Align the Knob: Place the knob over the single drilled hole.
- Insert Screw: From the inside of the drawer, insert the screw through the drawer front and into the knob.
- Tighten: Screw the knob onto the screw until it’s snug and secure.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Even with careful planning, you might encounter a few hiccups.
Misaligned Holes:
- Problem: The holes aren’t perfectly aligned, or you drilled them slightly off.
- Solution: If the holes are slightly off but close, you might be able to “slot” the screw holes in the hardware slightly with a file to accommodate the misalignment. For significant misalignment, you may need to fill the old holes with wood filler, let it dry, sand it smooth, and then drill new pilot holes in the correct position.
Stripped Screw Holes:
- Problem: The screw won’t tighten because the hole is too large.
- Solution:
- Toothpicks or Golf Tees: Insert a few wooden toothpicks or a golf tee into the stripped hole, breaking them off flush. Then, try screwing the hardware in again. The wood will help the screw get a grip.
- Wood Filler: For a more permanent fix, fill the hole with wood filler, let it dry completely, sand it smooth, and then drill a new pilot hole.
- Longer/Thicker Screw: If the original screw size for drawer pulls was slightly too small, try a slightly longer or thicker screw (ensure it doesn’t protrude through the other side).
Chipped Finishes:
- Problem: The drill bit chipped the paint or finish around the hole.
- Solution: Apply a small amount of touch-up paint or wood stain to the affected area. For a more significant chip, you might need to use wood filler and then paint. Using painter’s tape before drilling significantly reduces this risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the standard spacing for kitchen drawer pulls?
The standard spacing, also known as the “center-to-center” measurement, varies depending on the style of pull and the size of the drawer. For pulls with two screw holes, it’s usually specified by the manufacturer (e.g., 3 inches, 4 inches, 96mm). For knobs, there’s typically only one hole. When in doubt, measure the existing hardware or consult the manufacturer’s specifications for your new hardware.
Can I install drawer pulls on a drawer that doesn’t have holes?
Yes, absolutely! This guide assumes you are installing hardware on drawers that may not have pre-drilled holes. The process involves carefully measuring and marking the desired location, then drilling the pilot holes yourself.
What is the best drill bit size for cabinet knobs?
The best drill bit size for cabinet knobs depends on the screw that comes with the knob. Generally, you want a bit that is slightly larger than the screw’s shank (the smooth part below the threads) but smaller than the screw’s head. A common size is 1/8 inch or 3/16 inch for pilot holes, but check the screw size for drawer pulls provided by the manufacturer.
How do I ensure my drawer pulls are level?
Using a level is crucial for cabinet door knob installation and drawer pull alignment. After marking your first hole, use the level to draw a straight line for the second hole before drilling. Alternatively, a hardware placement jig often incorporates leveling guides.
What’s the difference between drawer pulls and knobs?
Drawer pulls typically have two points of attachment and are often longer, providing a larger grip area. Knobs usually have a single point of attachment and are generally smaller and rounder. Both are types of cabinet hardware.
How do I know if my new hardware will fit my existing holes?
If you’re doing a DIY drawer handle replacement, measure the distance between the centers of the existing holes (center-to-center) and compare it to the specifications of your new hardware. If the spacing differs, you’ll need to drill new holes.
Does the screw size for drawer pulls matter?
Yes, the screw size is important. The screws that come with your hardware are usually designed to be the correct length for standard drawer fronts. Using screws that are too long can go through the other side of the drawer or interfere with the drawer slide attachment. Using screws that are too short may not secure the hardware properly.
How do I attach drawer fronts securely?
When attaching drawer fronts, ensure they are perfectly aligned with the drawer box and any adjacent cabinets. Use appropriate screws and tighten them firmly but without overtightening. Make sure the drawer front sits flush and square.
Conclusion
Putting handles on kitchen drawers is a fantastic way to update your kitchen’s look and feel. By following these steps, paying attention to detail during measurement and drilling, and using the right tools, you can achieve professional results. Whether you’re doing a complete kitchen overhaul or just a small refresh, this DIY drawer handle replacement project is well within your reach. Enjoy your newly appointed kitchen drawers!