Here’s a complete, step-to-step guide to installing cabinet pulls correctly and cleanly, whether you’re upgrading kitchen drawers, bathroom cabinets, or furniture doors.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

• Cabinet pulls/handles

• Drill

• Drill bits (typically 3/16" for most pulls; check hardware instructions)

• Tape measure or ruler

• Pencil

• Masking tape (optional but helpful)

• Template jig (optional for repeat accuracy)

• Screwdriver (usually Phillips)

• Level (optional)

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Decide Pull Placement

Drawers: Most pulls are centered horizontally and vertically on drawer fronts.

• Measure drawer height (top to bottom).

• Mark center point vertically.

• Find center horizontally based on drawer width.

• Mark with a pencil.

Cabinet Doors (Vertical Orientation): Standard placement:

• Place pulls vertically on the door side opposite the hinges.

• Position about 2–3 inches from the edge (height varies with cabinet size).

• Mark a light pencil point where handles will align.

Cabinet Doors (Horizontal Orientation): For wider doors, some people prefer pulls placed horizontally:

• Align the long side of the pull with the top edge for ease of grip.

• Keep consistent distance from the edge across all doors.

Tip: Use a masking tape strip over the area to mark holes to prevent finish damage and make pencil marks easier to erase.

2. Mark the Drill Points

If you have multiple pulls that must align in a straight line across drawers or doors:

• Use a paper or plastic template (many pulls provide one).

• Place it where you want the holes.

• Mark the drilling spots through the template.

If you don’t have a template:

1. Mark one cabinet/drawer first.

2. Measure location of holes (center to center).

3. Transfer those measurements to the next cabinet using a ruler or tape.

3. Drill the Holes

Before drilling, double-check:

• Marks are centered

• Bit size matches the screw size in your pulls

Drilling:

• Hold the drill perpendicular to the surface.

• Start with a pilot hole if needed.

• Drill slowly to avoid chipping the cabinet surface.

If the cabinet panel is veneered or painted, place a small piece of tape where you are drilling to reduce splintering.

4. Attach the Pulls

• Insert screws from the inside of drawer/door.

• Thread them into the pull on the outside.

• Tighten gently with a screwdriver; avoid over-tightening to protect the finish.

If screws are too long, you can trim them or use shorter screws (many hardware sets include spares).

5. Check Alignment and Tightness

Once installed:

• Open and close doors/drawers to ensure smooth operation.

• Confirm handles are snug but not overly tight to avoid stressing the wood.

Alignment Tips for Multiple Cabinets

• Use a level to ensure all pulls line up on the same height plane across many cabinets.

• If cabinets vary by size, measure from a fixed reference point (e.g., the floor or countertop top) to keep pulls aligned visually.

Common Pull Placement Standards

Troubleshooting

Hole Not Aligned? Fill the mistake with wood filler, sand smooth, repaint or touch up, then re-measure and drill correctly.

Handle Wobbles After Tightening? Ensure screws are fully engaged in the pull’s threading. If hole spacing is slightly off, use longer screws with washers or small backing plates inside the cabinet.

Chunks or Splinters When Drilling? Place masking tape over drill area, use a new sharp bit, and go slow.

Final Tips

• If you’re installing many pulls of the same style, consider buying a drill template jig to speed up installation and maintain consistency.

• Keep extra screws and small hardware pieces in a labeled bag for future maintenance.

• Always measure twice before drilling once.