How to Install Pulls & Knobs For Cabinets

Nothing dresses up a cabinet door more than an elegant knob or pull. The addition of this hardware not only adds beauty to your furniture, it adds functionality. Pulls and knobs can be purchased at almost any department, home improvement or hardware store. Some knobs or pulls, such as those made out of wood, may need to be stained to match the color of your woodwork. Others may need to be painted to match or contrast with something in the room. Most pulls and knobs are finished and ready to install. No matter what type you choose, pulls and knobs add detail to your decor.

Things You'll Need

• • Knob or pull
• • Screw that came with knob or pull
• • tape measure or ruler
• • Pencil or awl to mark position
• • Power drill and bit
• • Screwdriver

Instructions

Install Pulls & Knobs for Cabinets

1. Choose the right knob or pull. Keep in mind where the knob will be located and how much it will be handled. If you need to stain or paint the pull or knob, do so before installation.

2. Decide where you want the knob or pull to be placed on the cabinet door. You may want to place the pull at a comfortable height so everyone can easily open the door. Pulls or knobs should be placed at least 1 inch away from the borders of the cabinet door and below one-third of the height of the door. This means placing the pull or knob no more than one-third of the way up from the bottom of the door. Be consistent. If you are installing knobs on 6 cabinets, make sure each knob is placed in the same spot on each door for a professional look.

3. Measure where you want to install the knob or pull. Mark the place on the cabinet door with a pencil or an awl. A knob will require one hole and a pull will usually require 2 to 4 holes.

4. Create a starter hole for the pull or knob screw(s) with an awl. Drill the hole for the screw with a variable speed power drill with the correct bit for the size screw you will be using. Drill slowly so you don’t splinter the cabinet door. Once you have drilled the hole, repeat the process for any other knobs or pulls you will be installing.

5. Install the knob by using the screw that was supplied with the knob. Place the knob against the cabinet door. Place the screw insert into the hole. Using a screwdriver, screw the screw into the wood until it is tight. Don’t over-tighten the screw; this may cause the wood to splinter or may strip the screw. If installing other knobs or pulls, continue screwing the knobs or pulls into cabinet doors until finished. Admire the new look of your cabinet doors.

Tips & Warnings

• Optional: During Step 4, clamp a piece of wood at the inside location of the cabinet as you drill to avoid splintering the cabinet door or drawer.

• Some knobs are attached from the back of the door. This type of knob will have a hole on the back side. If this is the case, drill a hole through the door, then insert the screw into the back of the wood door while holding the knob tightly against the front of the door. The screw will pass through the door and into the knob. Tighten until the knob is solidly attached.