Cabinet Knobs & Cabinet Handles Installed the Easy Way

Install your beautiful new cabinet hardware easily and quickly with this 3-step, no sweat process. Before you start, gather all the tools you will need so you won't have to go running for them mid-project. A drill with a bit that fits the size of your cabinet handles or knobs, screwdriver, level and pencil is all that you need to make this cabinet hardware installation a success.

General Installation

1. Find your center/drill points (discussed below). For a row of drawers or cabinets, measure and mark with a plumb line the screw point both horizontally and vertically.


2. Slowly, steadily and gently drill the holes in the marked positions.


3. Holding the cabinet hardware to the front of the cabinetry, use the screwdriver to install the screws into the backside of the cabinetry through the holes you've made previously.

Cabinet Knobs

Cabinet knobs are one of the easiest hardware installations. One screw is all that is required to secure cabinet knobs to the cabinet face, and you are done. In fact, some cabinet knobs come with the screws already attached and this is the easiest of all cabinet hardware installations. For drawers, find the horizontal center by measuring the height of the drawer and dividing in half. Find the vertical center by measuring the length of the drawer and dividing that in half. Mark this center point with a pencil, and this will be your drill point. Cabinet door knobs should be centered vertically and about 1 ½"-2" in from the edge on the side opposite the hinge. This is an approximate art, not cold fusion, so play around with it and see what looks good.

Cabinet Handles

Slightly more complicated, though well within the scope of most individuals, cabinet handles need two screws to keep them in place. What this means is the measuring stage for cabinet handles will take a little longer. For drawers, find the vertical center as instructed above and mark it. Now comes the tricky part. Find the horizontal center as above and mark this. Now take the drill center size for these cabinet handles and divide it in half. The number you get will be how many inches away from the center mark you need to make your drill holes on either side. For example, if your cabinet handles have 3" drill centers, you will make two marks, one that is 1 ½" to the right of the center mark and one that is 1 ½" to the left of the center mark. Lined up with the vertical center, these are your screw points and drilling should be done here. Doors have the same formula as above except cabinet handles are usually installed about 2" or 3" from the top of door (not centered).

Cabinet Backplates

Cabinet backplates don't actually need their own installation. These decorative touches come with the drill hole already made. You've already made the holes for the cabinet knobs or handles that you are installing. Now all you need to do is slide your cabinet backplates into place and continue as usual.

View our cabinet installation tips for more information and troubleshooting advice and enjoy your stunning new room thanks to cabinet hardware.