How To Install And Place Knobs On Cabinets And Drawers

Cabinets and drawers are some of your home's most useful and upgradeable aspects.

But installing them can be difficult. And for many, one of the most intimidating parts is installing the knobs. You want each cabinet to have the knob installed in the exact same spot. And let’s face it, if you mess up, you may have to buy a brand new cabinet or drawer and start over.

Here’s our guide to properly installing knobs and pulls on your cabinets or drawers.

Use a Template

If you're not familiar with templates, they help make the whole process a lot easier. It keeps everything in line and ensures that you get the perfect cut.

Templates are available for almost anything you can imagine, including knobs for cabinets and drawers. You can purchase a template that will allow you to make perfectly spaced holes based on the number of knobs you have, but there’s also a chance a template came with your cabinets, drawers, or knobs – so double check before making a purchase. As a beginner, a template is definitely the way to go.

Cover Unused Template Holes With Tape

If you're not planning on using all of the holes in your template, it's a good idea to cover up the unused ones with tape. It will keep you from drilling in those areas and ensure that your drill bit doesn't wander away from the template's lines. This may seem like menial step, but if you drill in the wrong hole, it can be tough to recover.

You can also use electrical tape, which is much more durable than regular tape and won't leave any sticky residue behind if you decide to remove it later.

Use a Router for Perfect Holes

Before you can install knobs on cabinets and drawers, you'll need to drill holes in the cabinets and drawers that match up with your template. Routers are special tools specifically designed for this purpose. They're used to guide your drilling so you drill your holes with precision.

If you don’t have a router or are tight on budget, that’s okay – but will help you measure and inscribe a perfect circle in exactly the right place on the cabinet.

Choose the Right Drill Bit

Now that you've finished the cutting process using your router, it's time to move on to drilling. You'll need to drill holes in your cabinets and drawers that are the same size as your template's attachment points. If you don't do this right, you risk having knobs that won't fit your cabinets and drawers properly, and potentially ruining the cabinet.

Ensure you use a drill bit of equal size to your template's attachment points to ensure you get this right. You can use any drill bit, but a masonry bit is your best bet. These bits are specially designed for both wood and metal projects and are much more versatile than regular drill bits.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

It's very true in this case, especially when it comes to your cabinets and drawers. When using a template, you should measure the drilled holes and ensure they're accurate. To ensure your knobs are installed properly, they need to fit perfectly. It is one of the best things about using a template. You only have to measure once to get everything right. For your cabinet and drawer knobs to look good, they must be perfectly centered and aligned, so spending a little extra time measuring will be well worth it.

Install Your Cabinet or Drawer Knobs

Now that you've drilled holes in your cabinets and drawers, it's time to install the knobs. You'll need to do this step on all of your cabinets and drawers, so make sure you have enough time set aside for this project. You'll need your template, drill bit, and a screwdriver or screw gun to make this process easier.

Most cabinet stores and hardware manufacturers will provide you with the screws you need for installation, but it's a good idea to check before you start drilling just in case. The knobs will probably with instructions, but it's still a good idea to take note of how they're supposed to be installed. You may want to watch a video on YouTube so you'll understand the process better.

Hide Old Holes With Back Plates

If your cabinet or drawer previously had holes or knobs or pulls, you’ll want to cover these up with backplates. A backplate is a thin piece of wood that covers up those holes so you can install new knobs easily. These plates come in various sizes and can be easily installed before you start on your new cabinet and drawer knobs.

Use Thread Sealant To Keep the Screws Tight

When installing your cabinet and drawer knobs, it's relatively easy for them to come loose. You can prevent this from happening by using a thread sealant. It is simply a thread protector that you can insert into your screws to ensure everything stays tight.

These protectors are very thin and ensure that everything stays secure, so your knobs stay in place. The goal is to make sure that your knobs and cabinets stay exactly where they are supposed to be. It will keep everything sturdy and ensure your cabinets and drawers stay intact even after years of use.

Avoid Using Plastic Adhesives to Install Your Knobs

When installing your cabinet and drawer knobs, you should avoid using plastic adhesive. Plastic adhesives may seem quicker – and may be tempting – but they don't provide the same level of strength. Plus, it's easy for these adhesives to start falling apart after just a few months, which can be very frustrating to deal with.

Install Your Cabinet Knobs with Precision

Installing cabinet knobs is an easy process as long as you follow all of the steps carefully. It's very important to ensure that you have everything measured out properly and that everything fits together perfectly. It's also important to ensure that your hardware is installed properly and securely, so it lasts for years to come.

If you need any help choosing the right cabinets or installing your cabinets properly, let us know or stop by our shop in the Nashua Home Design Center. We’d be happy to help.