Yes, you can put knobs on kitchen cabinets yourself. Installing cabinet hardware is a common and satisfying DIY project. Most homeowners can successfully complete this task with basic tools and a little patience.
Why Change Your Cabinet Knobs?
Changing cabinet knobs is one of the fastest ways to update your kitchen. It is a small change that makes a big visual impact. New knobs can refresh old cabinets without a full remodel. It is an affordable way to boost your kitchen’s style.
Style and Aesthetics
Knobs come in endless styles. You can choose modern, rustic, traditional, or fun designs. Matching the knobs to your kitchen theme is easy. A simple swap can change the whole feel of the room.
Functionality Improvements
Sometimes, old knobs are loose or uncomfortable to grip. New hardware often feels better in your hand. This makes opening drawers and doors much easier, especially for children or older adults.
Gathering Your Tools for Installing Cabinet Hardware
Before you start drilling or screwing, make sure you have everything ready. Having all the right tools for installing cabinet hardware in one place saves time later.
Essential Tools Checklist
Here is what you will need for installing cabinet hardware:
- New Knobs or Pulls: Ensure you have one for every door and drawer.
- Screwdriver or Power Drill: A manual screwdriver is slow but gives great control. A drill speeds things up but requires care.
- Drill Bits: You need the right size for the screws. See the next section for details on best drill bits for cabinet knobs.
- Pencil: For marking where to drill.
- Ruler or Tape Measure: For accurate marking.
- Cabinet Knob Template (Recommended): This tool simplifies measuring for cabinet hardware placement.
- Painter’s Tape: To hold the template in place or protect the cabinet finish.
- Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes.
Choosing the Right Drill Bits for Cabinet Knobs
The correct drill bit size matters greatly. If the hole is too big, the screw will spin freely. If it is too small, you might split the wood.
Use the screws that come with your new knobs. Take one screw to the hardware store or check the packaging. You need a bit slightly smaller than the screw’s threads. This allows the screw to grip the wood tightly.
| Screw Type | Recommended Bit Size Range (Decimal Inches) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Small Knob Screws | 1/16″ to 3/32″ | Used for smaller knobs. |
| Standard Knob Screws | 3/32″ to 7/64″ | Most common size. |
| Large Pull Screws | 7/64″ to 1/8″ | Used for attaching drawer pulls kitchen cabinets. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Putting Knobs on Cabinets
This guide covers two main scenarios: replacing existing hardware and installing hardware on brand-new, un-drilled cabinets.
Scenario 1: Replacing Old Knobs (DIY Cabinet Knob Replacement)
If your cabinets already have hardware, this is the easiest job.
Removing the Old Hardware
- Open the Door or Drawer: Access the inside of the cabinet door or drawer front.
- Locate the Screw: You will see the back of the knob or pull attached by one or two screws.
- Unscrew: Use your screwdriver to turn the screw counter-clockwise. Hold the knob firmly with your other hand so it does not spin around wildly.
- Keep Hardware Safe: Place the old screws and hardware in a small container. You might need them later if the new ones don’t fit right.
Preparing for New Knobs
- Clean the Area: Wipe down the area where the old hardware sat. Dust or grime can prevent the new hardware from sitting flush.
- Check Hole Alignment: Hold the new knob over the existing hole. Most standard knobs use the same center-to-center measurement. If the new holes line up perfectly, you are ready to proceed to the final attachment step.
If the hole size or placement is different, proceed to the Drilling holes for cabinet knobs section below, focusing only on the existing holes as guides.
Scenario 2: Installing Knobs on New Cabinets (First Time Installation)
This requires careful measurement. Accurate placement is crucial for a professional look. This is where a cabinet knob template use becomes invaluable.
Measuring for Cabinet Hardware Placement
Accurate measuring for cabinet hardware placement ensures all knobs look straight and evenly spaced.
- Locate Center Point: For a standard door, the knob usually goes near the top corner, opposite the hinge side.
- Standard Placement: A good starting point is 2 to 3 inches down from the top edge and 1 to 2 inches in from the side edge (the edge without hinges). Measure both dimensions precisely.
- Marking the Spot: Use your pencil to mark the exact center point on the cabinet face. Double-check this mark. It is better to measure three times and mark once.
Using a Cabinet Knob Template
A template takes the guesswork out of cabinet knob placement guide.
- Set Template Depth: Many templates have adjustable slides. Set the template to match the distance you decided on (e.g., 2.5 inches from the edge).
- Align and Tape: Hold the template firmly against the cabinet face. Use painter’s tape to secure it so it cannot slip while drilling.
- Mark All Holes: The template will have small pilot holes marked for standard knob spacing. Mark these precise locations with your pencil.
Drilling Holes for Cabinet Knobs
This step requires a steady hand and the correct best drill bits for cabinet knobs.
- Protect the Surface (Crucial Step): Place a piece of scrap wood inside the cabinet door or drawer front, directly behind where you are drilling. This prevents the wood from splintering or “blowout” when the drill bit exits the other side.
- Drill Slowly: Attach the appropriate drill bit to your drill. Start slowly. Applying too much pressure can cause the bit to wander or split the wood.
- Drill Straight Down: Keep the drill perfectly perpendicular (straight up and down) to the cabinet face. Drill only far enough to go through the wood and slightly into the scrap wood backing. You are aiming to create a guide hole.
Note: If you are attaching drawer pulls kitchen cabinets, you will likely need to drill two holes instead of one.
Final Attachment: Securing Cabinet Knobs Tightly
Once the holes are ready, it is time to put on the new hardware.
- Position the Knob: From the outside, place the knob or pull over the hole(s).
- Insert the Screw: From the inside of the cabinet door or drawer, insert the mounting screw into the hole, aiming it toward the knob.
- Start by Hand: Twist the screw a few turns by hand to ensure it threads correctly. This prevents cross-threading, which can damage the wood or screw.
- Tighten Gradually: Use your screwdriver or drill (on a low torque setting) to tighten the screw. Tighten until the knob is snug against the wood.
- Securing Cabinet Knobs Tightly (The Final Check): Stop tightening as soon as you feel resistance. Do not overtighten! Overtightening can strip the wood threads, leading to a loose knob that spins in the future. The hardware should sit flat against the cabinet face with no gap.
Repeat this process for every door and drawer.
Special Considerations for Drawer Pulls
Attaching drawer pulls kitchen cabinets often involves a slightly different process than knobs because pulls use two screws.
Measuring for Drawer Pull Placement
Drawer placement is usually standardized, but you must confirm this for your specific cabinets.
Standard Pull Placement
- Vertical Placement: Drawer pulls are generally centered vertically on the drawer front. Measure the height of the drawer front and mark the exact middle line.
- Horizontal Placement: For a standard drawer width (e.g., 18 inches), the pulls are typically centered horizontally as well. Find the exact center point of the drawer width.
- Center Point Mark: The first mark you make should be the dead center of the drawer face.
Determining Screw Spacing
Drawer pulls come with specific screw hole spacing (e.g., 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches apart).
- Measure Pull Spacing: Measure the distance between the two screw holes on your specific pull.
- Use the Template: A good cabinet knob template use will have markings for common pull spacings. Align the template’s center mark with the center mark you made on the drawer.
- Marking the Two Holes: Mark the two screw holes based on your pull’s measurement.
Drilling for Drawer Pulls
The technique for drilling holes for cabinet knobs applies here too, but you must drill two holes.
- Double Check Alignment: Ensure both marks are perfectly level across the drawer face. Use a long, straight ruler laid across both marks to confirm they are even.
- Drill Both Holes: Drill both pilot holes carefully, using the scrap wood backing for support against blowout.
- Attach the Pull: Insert both screws from the inside, aligning them with the pull. Securing cabinet knobs tightly involves tightening one screw slightly, then the other, alternating until both are firm. This prevents the pull from being slightly skewed.
Tips for Working with Different Cabinet Materials
The material of your cabinet doors affects how you approach drilling holes for cabinet knobs.
Solid Wood Cabinets
Solid wood is durable and forgiving. You can usually drill cleanly. However, very hard woods (like oak or maple) require sharp drill bits and slower speeds to prevent overheating the bit.
MDF or Composite Cabinets
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) is common but softer.
- Careful Drilling: MDF is very prone to chipping or cracking if too much pressure is applied. Go very slowly.
- Screw Size: Use the exact screw size provided. If the hole gets slightly too large during DIY cabinet knob replacement, you can use a wooden golf tee dipped in wood glue to plug the hole. Let it dry, snip the excess flush, and drill a new, smaller pilot hole.
Thermofoil or Laminate Cabinets
These surfaces are thin overlays glued onto a core material.
- Blowout Risk: The risk of chipping the top layer (thermofoil) is high. Always use the interior scrap wood backing.
- Low Speed: Use the lowest speed setting on your drill to prevent the bit from catching and tearing the delicate surface finish.
Advanced Tips for Perfect Hardware Placement
Achieving flawless cabinet knob placement guide requires attention to detail, especially on cabinets that are not uniform.
Handling Uneven Surfaces
If you have beadboard, recessed panels, or detailed routing on your doors, the knob won’t sit perfectly flat.
- Shims or Washers: If the knob base does not contact the door surface fully, you might need a small, flat washer or thin shim between the screw head and the back of the cabinet door to bridge the gap and allow the front knob to tighten properly.
Dealing with Oddly Sized or Spaced Hardware
Sometimes, new hardware doesn’t match the old screw pattern. This is where DIY cabinet knob replacement turns into a small repair job.
- Plug the Old Holes: If the new pull holes do not line up with the old ones, you must completely fill the old holes. Use wood filler or the glue/dowel method mentioned above for MDF.
- Re-Drill: Once the filler is dry and sanded smooth, use your template or careful measuring to mark the new, correct locations. Then proceed with drilling holes for cabinet knobs.
Consistency is Key
When measuring for cabinet hardware placement across an entire kitchen, establish one standard and stick to it. If you decide on 2.5 inches from the top for upper cabinets, use exactly 2.5 inches for every single upper cabinet door.
Final Checks and Maintenance
After all the hardware is installed, take a moment to review your work.
- The Tug Test: Gently tug on every knob and pull. Do any feel loose? If so, return to the inside and give the screw a quarter-turn more, focusing on securing cabinet knobs tightly without forcing them.
- Visual Inspection: Step back and look down the line of cabinets. Do all the knobs appear to be at the same height and depth? Small discrepancies are often only visible when standing close, but consistent placement makes a huge difference visually.
- Long-Term Tightening: Wood expands and contracts with humidity changes. Check your hardware tightness again in about six months. You may find that some screws have loosened slightly and need a small tightening turn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to drill new holes if I am just swapping knobs?
A: Not usually. Most standard knobs use similar screw centers (often 1-1/4 inches). If your new knobs use a different spacing, or if you are switching from knobs to pulls, you will need to plug the old holes and drill new ones.
Q: Should I use a power drill or a hand screwdriver for installing cabinet hardware?
A: A hand screwdriver gives you the best control for securing cabinet knobs tightly without stripping the screw or the wood. If you use a power drill, set it to the lowest torque or clutch setting possible to avoid damage, especially on softer materials like MDF.
Q: What is the standard placement for cabinet knobs?
A: For upper doors, knobs are usually placed 2 to 3 inches from the top edge and 1 to 2 inches from the vertical edge (the edge opposite the hinges). For drawers, hardware is typically centered both vertically and horizontally. Refer to a cabinet knob placement guide for visual examples.
Q: How do I stop the wood from splitting when drilling holes for cabinet knobs?
A: Always drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the screw shaft. Crucially, place a piece of scrap wood firmly against the inside of the door or drawer panel directly behind where you are drilling. This backing catches the drill bit tip and prevents the top layer from tearing out (blowout).
Q: Can I use the old screws for my new attaching drawer pulls kitchen cabinets?
A: It is highly recommended that you use the new screws provided with the hardware. Different knobs and pulls require different screw lengths and thread pitches. Using the wrong screw can result in hardware that is loose or screws that are too long and puncture the interior of the cabinet.