Supplies You’ll Need for Installing Cabinet Hardware:

Pulls and knobs
Measuring tape
Sturdy template or jig
Disappearing marker or pencil
Masking tape
Safety glasses
Drill bits
Screwdriver bits
Variable speed power drill
Screwdriver (optional)
Machine screws

Using a template or jig

Using a template will make it easier to quickly and easily mark the locations of your drill holes. You can probably pick one up at the same time you buy your other hardware. Just make sure it fits the dimensions of your hardware and planned layout. A template will allow you to be sure that all of your knobs and pulls are parallel to the edges of the cabinets or drawers and exactly the same distance from the edge.

It’s also worthwhile to make a trip to a fabric or craft store that sells sewing supplies to pick up a disappearing ink marker. Make sure to get one that works on wood. Using the marker and template will allow you to check your planned layout before drilling holes in your new cabinets.

Positioning the hardware

Measurements are very important when installing hardware, but it’s even more important that things are visually straight. They might be exactly the right distance from the floor, ceiling, wall or countertop and still look crooked because houses are rarely perfectly straight and even. So step back and look at your layout before beginning installation. Make sure that everything looks good both vertically and horizontally.

Using the correct screws

Machine screws (technically bolts) are included with many knobs and pulls and should fit most cabinet doors or drawer fronts. If your cabinets or drawers are thicker or thinner than the average of ¾” you will probably need to buy machine screws of an appropriate length. Always check the thickness of each type and size of cabinet door and drawer fronts in case they are of different thicknesses. The screw length should be approximately ¼” longer than the thickness of the wood. Once you’ve figured out the length you need, take an example of each type of knob and pull to the store with you so you can pick out screws that fit the holes perfectly.

Choosing your drill bits

A 8/32″ hole is recommended for most types of hardware. If your pull has a post on the back, then a 1/4″ hole is necessary so that the posts can be set securely into the wood. You’ll also want a drill bit that’s a size or two smaller for drilling the initial hole from the front.

You can also choose a drill bit by inserting bits of different sizes into the hole on the hardware and choosing the one with the tightest fit.

Avoiding chip out

Place masking tape on each side of the wood where the hole will be, then drill a small hole from the front, through the tape. This will help avoid chipping of the wood when the bigger screw comes through the same hole from the back. The tape will also help keep the screw in one place when you start screwing it in so it doesn’t mar the surface by “walking” across the wood when you apply pressure to it.

Attaching the hardware

Hold the knob on the front while screwing it in from the back. Don’t tighten the screws until you’ve stepped back and taken a good look at it. Once you’re satisfied with how it looks, go ahead and tighten all of the screws. If you’re using a power drill, slow it down as the screw head nears the surface to avoid damaging the wood. Always make sure your drill or screwdriver is perpendicular to the wood.

Taking your time and working carefully will prevent most problems. Using the slowest speed on your power drill will also help avoid chipping around the exit holes. If you’re not comfortable using a power drill, a screwdriver works perfect well and is just slightly slower to use. Simply screw the knob in by hand and then finish tightening it with the screwdriver.

Scheduling your time

Don’t plan on installing everything in an evening or two; a kitchen can easily have 30 – 50 or more pulls or knobs to install. Doing one bank of drawers or run of cabinets at a time will help break up an overwhelming job into manageable bits. You’re more likely to end up with a job you’re proud of if you take your time and don’t rush to finish.