How to Install Cabinet Hardware

Cabinets are only as beautiful as the accessories that compliment them. The perfect gift for your kitchen or bathroom is the perfect hardware than makes them to central point of focus when entering the room. Of course, it helps if they are practical as well.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Variable speed drill
• 3/16 inch drill bit
• Door knobs or pulls
• Drawer knobs or pulls
• Cabinet door hinges
• Phillips head screw driver
• 3/16 inch dowel rod
• Wood glue

Knobs and Pulls

1. Remove old hardware from cabinets. If needed, plug holes with dowel rod and wood glue. Let glue set overnight.

2. Measure the hole-centers of the new hardware and mark the doors accordingly. Next, drill the holes with the 3/16th inch drill bit.

3. Install the hardware with screws supplied and tighten with the Phillips head screw driver. Be certain to tighten the pulls snugly, and not to over tighten.

4. Polish fingerprints off of new hardware if needed.

5. Repeat Steps 1-4 for the drawer fronts.

Hinges

6. Remove the screws on the hinges that hold them to the cabinets. Keep all screws.

7. Remove hinge screws that hold the hinges to the door. Keep the screws and the hinges together.

8. Place new hinges over old holes and secure them to the doors with the new screws provided.

9. Line up the new hinges to the holes in the cabinet frame and insert a screw. Tighten it snugly to the frame.

10. Repeat Step 4 for the remaining doors. Do not over tighten the screws as it will compromise the integrity of the hinge.

Tips & Warnings

• Place removed doors on a soft cloth. Take care not to drag the face of the doors over any surface without the cloth underneath it.
• After plugging the holes with the dowel rod match the color or stain as close as possible before adding the new hardware.
• As with any power tool, use caution when operating.

Resources

• Cabinet Hardware Installation