How to Install Cabinet Knobs

Installing cabinet knobs is one of the simplest DIY projects you can do. Amazingly, it is also one of the most transforming, especially considering the small effort necessary. Cabinet hardware has a profound effect on the entire face of your cabinetry and room, and, with just a drill and a measuring tape, you can create this makeover in a matter of minutes. Follow our simple instructions and you can install cabinet knobs in no time.

Cabinet Knobs

Step 1: Pinpoint the location on your drawer or cabinet door where you will want the cabinet knob to be positioned. You can estimate with your eye, or you can use some silly putty on the back to stick the cabinet knob onto the door and try different positions and places. Once you've determined the desired position, take measurements and mark all of the drawers or doors with those same measurements. You may want to drill the first drawer/door before transferring the measurements to ensure their accuracy.

Step 2: Drill a hole through the door/drawer where you marked the knob's position. Drill through the front of the cabinet, with the door or drawer slightly open, to avoid splintering or drilling through a part of the cabinet body.

Step 3: Fit the screw into the hole from the inside of the cabinet door or drawer, and turn the knob onto the end of the screw. As you reach the end of the screw, hold the knob firmly, and tighten the screw into the knob with a screwdriver.

Install Cabinet Knobs

Replacing older knobs with new ones of the same drill size is a snap because all of the measurements are already there. If you are replacing old cabinet hardware that will not be covered by the new cabinet knobs, cabinet backplates are your best options both functionally and aesthetically. Cabinet backplates are fantastic pieces of cabinet hardware that cover up scratches and holes, add d�cor and style, and protect your hardware and cabinets from future damage. Alternatively, you can fill in the holes with wood putty and paint before installing your new hardware.

Tips for installing cabinet knobs:

Use the correct drill bit. Using a bit that is too thick will create a hole too large for the screw. When this happens, the screw has nothing to hold on to and will simply slip right out of place. The average hole is 3/16", but check your hardware before you begin.

Also use the correct screw length. You can measure the drawer or door before you install cabinet knobs so that you use the correct screws for the job. Most doors and drawers are �" thick, so a 1" screw is fine, but, again, measure before you start drilling.

A popular placement measurement for cabinet doors is 1 1/5" from the vertical edge and 2" from the top or bottom of the door (depending on whether you are mounting these cabinet knobs to upper or lower cabinets).

For drawers, you will want to find the center of your drawer, both horizontally and vertically. Many people prefer to install their cabinet knobs about �" higher than the horizontal center mark.

See how simple installing cabinet knobs can be? Changing in your old cabinet hardware for new cabinet pulls and knobs will breathe new life, new style and new energy into the room. Once you've done this easy DIY project, you will wonder what took you so long to attempt it in the first place. So what are you waiting for? Install cabinet knobs, and change the face of your home today.