How to Install Cabinet Handles and Knobs
By Plank Hardware | Decorative details for discerning spaces. | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to install cabinet handles and knobs with our step-by-step guide. Includes tips for accurate marking, drilling, and choosing the right hardware.
Quick Answer
To install cabinet handles and knobs, measure and mark the mounting hole positions, drill pilot holes, then secure the hardware with screws. For handles, use a template or consistent spacing to keep them aligned.
Why accurate placement matters
Getting the position of cabinet hardware right is about more than looks. Handles and knobs that are mounted unevenly can make new cabinets feel off and can cause doors to catch or rub. Spending a few extra minutes on measurement and marking saves you from having to fill and re-drill holes later.
There is no single rule for where to place hardware. Knobs are often placed in a corner of the door or drawer, while handles are usually mounted vertically on doors and horizontally on drawers. The best position depends on the cabinet style, the hardware size, and how you use the cabinet. What matters is consistency across all similar doors and drawers.
Choosing the right hardware for the job
The type of hardware you choose affects both the look and the installation. Solid brass handles and knobs, such as the GRAYSON Handle in Blackened Bronze, offer a traditional profile that works on both doors and drawers. The GRAYSON Knob is a good choice for smaller drawers or classic dressers. Both are solid brass and come in a matte-lacquered finish, which helps protect the surface in everyday use.
Before you buy, check the fixing centres of the handle. This is the distance between the two screw holes. The GRAYSON Handle is available in two fixing-centre sizes, so you can match it to most cabinetry. If you are replacing existing hardware, measure the distance between the old screw holes to ensure a seamless swap.
Step-by-step installation process
- Measure and mark the hole positions: For a knob, mark a single point where you want the screw to go. For a handle, mark both screw positions using the fixing centres. Use a pencil and a square to keep the marks level and evenly spaced from the edge of the door or drawer. Check that the marks are level and consistent with other cabinets before drilling.
- Drill pilot holes: Select a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw shaft. Drill straight into the marked points. For metal or laminate cabinets, use a sharp bit and start slowly to avoid chipping. For wood, a pilot hole prevents splitting. Drill a test hole in a scrap piece of the same material to confirm the bit size and technique.
- Mount the hardware: Align the handle or knob over the pilot holes. Insert the screws and tighten with a screwdriver. Do not overtighten, as this can strip the threads or damage the cabinet surface. Use a hand screwdriver for the final turns to feel the resistance and avoid overtightening.
- Check alignment and adjust: After installing all handles and knobs, step back and inspect the alignment. If a handle is slightly crooked, loosen the screws, adjust the position, and retighten. For handles with two screws, tighten one screw fully, then the other, to keep it square. If you need to move a hole, fill the old hole with wood filler, sand it smooth, and re-drill in the new position.
Products mentioned in this guide
- GRAYSON Handle - Blackened Bronze: The GRAYSON Handle is a solid brass pull available in two fixing-centre sizes to suit most kitchen cabinetry. The two fixing-centre options make it easier to match existing holes or standard cabinet spacing, so you can install without drilling new holes in many cases.
GRAYSON Handle - Blackened Bronze - GRAYSON Knob - Blackened Bronze: The GRAYSON Knob is a solid brass, domed knob with a traditional silhouette, suited to drawers, cupboards, and dressers. Its single-screw design makes it a quick install, and the domed shape gives a comfortable grip for daily use.
GRAYSON Knob - Blackened Bronze
