How to put new handles on kitchen cabinets
Upgrading your cabinet handles is a quick and simple way to give your kitchen a fresh, modern look. With the right tools and a steady hand, you can get a professional result in no time. This guide will take you through the process of installing handles on cabinet doors and drawers step by step.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Prepare the cabinet surface
Mark the handle positions
To mark drilling points, use a handle drilling template for consistent placement across all panels. For cabinet doors, align the template vertically on the opening edge of the panel, positioning it near the top for base cabinets and near the bottom for wall cabinets. For tall pantry doors, handles are usually centred horizontally, about 900mm to 1000mm from the floor, for easy reach and ergonomic access.
When working with drawers, hold the template horizontally across the face of each panel. For shallow drawers, handles are typically centred vertically and horizontally. For deep drawers, you may prefer to position the handle closer to the top third of the drawer to improve functionality.
Before drilling, take a step back to check that everything looks balanced and aligned. Use a ruler or spirit level if needed, then mark your screw holes directly onto the masking tape using a pencil or fine marker.
Drill the holes
Using a 4.5 millimetre drill bit, carefully drill straight through the marked points on the front face of each panel. Take your time to ensure you drill straight and cleanly through the surface to avoid damaging the cabinetry.
Check the screw length
Cabinet handle screws are typically universal in length, but they may not always suit your cabinet front depth. For shallower doors or deeper drawers, where screws pass through both the drawer front and the drawer box, you may need to trim them to length using a utility knife or screw cutter. Double-check the fit before moving on to installation.
Clean the surface
After drilling, peel off the masking tape and remove any protective plastic film from the cabinet surface or handles. Wipe down the area to remove any sawdust or residue before attaching the handles.
Position and fit the handles
Position each handle over the drilled holes and insert the screws from the inside of the cabinet or drawer. Make sure the handle sits flush against the surface and lines up evenly. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws by hand. This helps avoid over-tightening, which can strip the thread or damage the cabinet surface. Make sure each handle is straight and secure.
Now that you’ve put new handles on kitchen cabinets
Learn how to install cabinet hinges.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
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