Weekend Upgrade: Installing Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

While a local craftsman from Handyman Connection can easily take care of any household project or repair, some homeowners love DIY projects. For those that do, one simple and fairly inexpensive project idea is changing out kitchen cabinet hardware. Cabinet knobs and drawer pulls can easily be removed and replaced with modern cabinet hardware styles, giving your kitchen the welcome facelift it needs without putting a big dent in your wallet.

Step 1: Measure for Cabinet Hardware

The first step in replacing your kitchen hardware is to carefully remove all knobs and pulls with a screwdriver. Since there isn’t a standard size for kitchen cabinet hardware, it’s important to carefully measure the distance between the attachment points on drawer pulls, from the center of one screw hole to the center of the other, then record the measurements. When you go to the home improvement store in search of the best kitchen cabinet hardware, take the measurements with you, along with one of the drawer pulls or knobs for comparison. Don’t forget to count and make note of how many of each type you’ll need.

Step 2: Fill in Holes

If you’re replacing a single-screw knob with a drawer pull, or if the new pull has a different spread than the old one, you will need to fill in the original hole with wood putty. Take care to cover any uneven areas surrounding the hole with putty as well. Once the putty is thoroughly dry, use medium- to fine-grit sandpaper to sand over the filled hole, which will smooth the surface and remove the excess. Use a tacky cloth to trap any dust, then paint or stain it to match the surrounding area.

Step 3: Attach the New Hardware

You’re ready for the final step! First measure the location where the new pull or knob will be placed, then use a wood pencil to mark it. Follow that up by lightly tapping a nailset with a hammer to create a small indentation at the marked spot, which will help keep the drill bit in place when drilling the holes. Once the holes are drilled, you’re then ready to attach the new hardware. Use the drill to screw each piece on nice and tight, and then you’re done!

Call Handyman Connection for Full-Service Kitchen Updates

If you want your kitchen upgrade to involve a little (or a lot) more than new hardware, don’t hesitate to give Handyman Connection a call at 1-800-88-HANDY. Our experienced handymen are ready to tackle any kitchen design you can come up with!