The Ultimate Guide to Installing your cabinet Handles
Installing cabinet handles (or knobs) is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to upgrade your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry. Whether you are renovating or finishing off a new build, learning how to install kitchen handles yourself will save time and money, and give your space the finishing touch.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to install cabinet handles step by step, including tips for installing on integrated appliances, choosing hole centres for replacing old kitchen handles, and making sure everything lines up perfectly.
Installing Manually
You need only a few tools to install your cabinet handles.
- Cabinet handles or knobs - of course
- Screws (need to purchase screws and not sure on length? Read here)
- Drill with a 3-4mm drill bit - needed if you are installing new handles
- Screwdriver (manual or electric)
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Ruler or combination square
- Masking tape (optional, helps prevent wood splitting or chipping)
- Spirit level (for longer handles)
Step 1: Understand Your Handle Type and Hole Centres
What are hole centres?
New handles can completely refresh and enhance the look of your space. However, finding the correct sized handle to fill in the holes made by your current handles can prove tedious... until now.
Simply type into the search bar the hole centre in millimeters and your wide range of options will appear. Ensure you click "View All" to ensure you are viewing your full range of options. Typically handles are in what is known in the cabinetmaking industry as "System 32" sizes. In short it means that handle hole sizes will be in increments of 32mm. So if you are wondering why there is no handle appearing to fill your 95mm handle hole centres, it is because it will be a 96mm hole centre.
To further confirm sizing of your selection, download the "Specification Card" on the product page for all sizing details on the handles.
Sizing Denotations
- OA - overall size of the handle
- C or HC - hole centres (this is what you will be measuring and searching for to replace your handles)
- P - projection, this is how far the handle will project or stick out from the cabinet front
- W - width of the handle
- Ø - diameter of a knob
Any questions feel free to reach out via live chat. We will be happy to help. Contact now.
Common Australian hole centres
Hole centres refer to the distance (in millimetres) between the two screw holes on a handle. Common hole centres in Australia include:
We refer to the length of most of our handles when selecting by their hole centres, making it easy to ensure you are choosing the right handles if covering previously drilled holes.
👉 Pro tip: Always measure hole centres from the centre of one screw hole to the centre of the other. Do not measure from the ends of the handle. A great way to measure your hole centres is with a fabric tape measure.
Replacing Kitchen Handles:
If you are transforming your space by replacing your old cabinet handles, it is important you factor in your previously drilled holes. You will need to either cover them, or use them again for your next set of handles.
First, measure from the centre of one hole to the other, using a ruler or tape measure. Then check against the list above if it is one of the common Australian hole centres. Then, simply search that hole centre in our website to bring up all the handles that will suit your space, and pick a favourite. Above, we have done this for you. Click on the hole centres to search for suitable handles.
What if I want to cover hole centres that are uncommon?
We have a solution for that. You can either go for a handle like the Knurl, and use the Backplate to cover any previously drilled holes, or you can potentially use a handle like Circ or Ova, or timber options like the Chicama, or Block, that will cover any M4 holes inside their own hole centres.
And one last option. You can try your luck with the Flow handle which has a portion of either end of the handle face fixed to your cabinet. Make sure to check each handle’s Spec Sheet for more info regarding sizing before ordering.
Buying handles for a brand new space:
If you do not need to worry about covering old holes, you have free reign. However, we understand this can be a little daunting. This is why we have a cabinet handle size guide here.
Step 2: Decide on Handle Placement (for the new handle crew)
For Cabinet Doors:
Handles are typically placed vertically, around 50-70mm from the corner of the door. The exact spot can be personal preference, but consistency is key.
Hot tip - use masking tape or blue tac to visualise your handle placement before purchasing your chosen lengths, or drilling new holes. This cannot be undone.
Recommended placement:
- Measure 50mm from the bottom or top edge of the door
- Measure 50mm in from the edge opposite the hinge
For Drawers:
Handles are installed horizontally, centred on the drawer front. If using two handles on wide drawers, space them evenly or aligned with door handles below.
Knobs:
Very much up to you, but see a handy video below, detailing all your knob placement options.
Handy Video 👇🏽 Knob Placement Tips
With a Jig
Do you have a handle jig? If you are going to be installing a large number of handles, and want to speed up the process with professional accuracy, this might be the tool for you.
View the Handle Jig here
Touch Handles Drilling Jig
$125.96 AUD
Product Features
- Easily and accurately install handles with this streamlined, simple to use handle jig
- Use to mark and drill your holes and set height from top of cabinetry to ensure accurate and consistent placement
- Works for handles with hole centres up to 400mm apart
- Size: 400 x 310mm
- Finish: Blue (BLU)
Need help in installing your cabinet handles?
No stress. We have partnered with Airtasker to make everything a breeze, from handle selection to installation. Simply head over to Airtasker and post your job today. And as a bonus, after ordering from Touch Handles, receive $25 off your first job post, just from us.*
*Simply request your code by clicking on the link in your order confirmation email. Valid on all job posts worth over $100.