How to Install Cabinet Handles?

Installing cabinet handles (pulls) mostly comes down to measuring and drilling the holes accurately so every handle lines up. A simple template makes it foolproof.

What you need:

• Cabinet handles/pulls and their screws
• A drill and the right size drill bit
• A tape measure and pencil
• A cabinet hardware jig/template (highly recommended) or a piece of cardboard
• Painter's tape

Step-by-step:

1. Decide placement. For doors, handles usually go on the corner opposite the hinges. For drawers, they're typically centered horizontally, and either centered vertically or in the top rail. Pick a consistent position for every cabinet.
2. Measure the handle's hole spacing (called "center to center") — the distance between the two screw holes for a pull, or the single hole for a knob.
3. Make or use a template. A cabinet hardware jig lets you set the hole spacing and reposition it identically on every door/drawer. Or make a cardboard template with the holes marked.
4. Mark the holes. Line up the template, put painter's tape where you'll drill (it prevents the bit from wandering and reduces splintering), and mark the hole centers with a pencil.
5. Drill straight through. Use a bit matching the screw size. Drill from the front face straight through to the back, holding the drill level. Tip: put scrap wood behind to prevent blow-out splinters on the back.
6. Attach the handle. From the back of the door/drawer, push the screws through the holes and thread them into the handle on the front. Tighten with a screwdriver until snug.
7. Check and repeat identically on all cabinets.

Tips: Measure twice, drill once — a misplaced hole is hard to fix. If replacing old hardware, you may be able to reuse existing holes if the spacing matches.