How to Install Cabinet Knobs and Handles: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Installing new cabinet knobs and handles is one of the quickest and most impactful upgrades you can make to a kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom. With the right tools and a little patience, it's a straightforward DIY job that takes less than an hour for most kitchens. This guide walks you through everything — from the tools you'll need to the final screw.

Brushed Brass Cabinet Handles for Kitchen Furniture and Cupboard Doors - Gold Drawer Pulls Modern

What You'll Need

  • ✓ New cabinet knobs or handles (with screws included)
  • ✓ Screwdriver (hand or electric)
  • ✓ Drill with 5mm drill bit (if drilling new holes)
  • ✓ Tape measure or ruler
  • ✓ Pencil for marking
  • ✓ Handle jig or template (optional but recommended for consistency)
  • ✓ Masking tape (to protect cabinet surface when drilling)

All FocusHardware knobs and handles come with 25mm M4 screws included — no need to source fixings separately.

Step 1: Remove Your Old Hardware

If you're replacing existing knobs or handles, start by removing the old ones:

  1. Open the cabinet door or drawer to access the back of the panel
  2. Hold the knob or handle in place with one hand
  3. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the fixing from the inside of the door or drawer front
  4. Pull the old hardware free from the front

Tip: Keep the old screws as a reference for length — your new hardware may use a different screw length depending on the panel thickness.

Step 2: Check Your Existing Hole Spacing

Before installing new handles, confirm the hole spacing matches your new hardware:

  • For knobs: one central hole, typically 5mm diameter
  • For handles: two holes, measured centre-to-centre (96mm, 128mm, or 160mm are the most common)

If your new hardware matches the existing holes, you can skip drilling entirely. If the spacing is different, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Mark and Drill New Holes (If Needed)

If you're drilling fresh holes — either on new cabinets or because you're changing the hole spacing — follow these steps carefully:

  1. Apply masking tape over the drill area on the front of the cabinet. This prevents the drill bit from slipping and protects the surface finish.
  2. Mark the hole positions with a pencil. Use a tape measure to find the correct position — typically centred horizontally on the drawer or door, and positioned 35–50mm from the top or bottom edge.
  3. Use a handle jig if you have one — this ensures every hole is in exactly the same position across all your cabinets, saving time and preventing mistakes.
  4. Drill slowly with a 5mm drill bit, applying steady pressure. Drill from the front face of the cabinet to avoid tear-out on the visible surface.
  5. Remove the masking tape carefully once the holes are drilled.

Important: Always drill a test hole on a scrap piece of wood or an inconspicuous cabinet first to confirm your measurements are correct.

Step 4: Install Cabinet Knobs

Installing a knob is the simplest hardware installation:

  1. Push the screw through the hole from the inside of the cabinet door or drawer front
  2. Thread the knob onto the screw from the outside, turning clockwise
  3. Tighten by hand first, then use a screwdriver to snug it up — do not overtighten, as this can crack the cabinet face or strip the thread
  4. Check the knob sits flush and straight against the surface

Step 5: Install Cabinet Handles (Bar Pulls)

Handles require two screws and a little more care to align correctly:

  1. Hold the handle against the front of the cabinet or drawer, aligning the holes
  2. Push both screws through from the inside of the door or drawer front simultaneously
  3. Thread the handle onto both screws from the outside, turning by hand to start both screws evenly
  4. Tighten each screw alternately — a few turns on one, then a few turns on the other — to keep the handle level as it tightens
  5. Finish with a screwdriver, snugging both screws firmly but not overtightening

Tip: If the handle feels slightly loose after tightening, check that the screw length is correct for your panel thickness. Panels thicker than 20mm may need longer screws.

Step 6: Check Screw Length

The included 25mm screws suit most standard cabinet doors and drawer fronts (typically 16–20mm thick). If your panels are thicker or thinner, you may need to adjust:

  • Thin panels (under 16mm): Use shorter screws to avoid the tip protruding through the back
  • Thick panels (over 20mm): Use longer screws — M4 screws in 30mm or 35mm lengths are widely available at hardware stores

The correct screw length = panel thickness + 8–10mm (for thread engagement in the handle)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Overtightening screws — this can crack cabinet faces or strip threads. Firm is enough.
  • ❌ Not using masking tape when drilling — drill bits can slip on smooth surfaces and scratch the finish
  • ❌ Inconsistent hole placement — always use a jig or template for multiple cabinets
  • ❌ Wrong screw length — too short and the handle is loose; too long and the tip pokes through the back
  • ❌ Skipping the test hole — always confirm measurements on a scrap piece before committing to all cabinets

How Long Does It Take?

For a typical kitchen with 20–30 cabinet doors and drawers:

  • Replacing existing hardware (same hole spacing): 30–45 minutes
  • Drilling new holes with a jig: 1–2 hours
  • Drilling new holes without a jig: 2–3 hours (measuring each position individually)

Ready to Upgrade Your Cabinets?

Browse our full range of solid brass cabinet handles and solid brass cabinet knobs — all available in 96mm, 128mm, and 160mm hole centre distances, with screws included.

Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order.

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