How to replace cabinet handles and knobs

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Introduction

Thinking of giving your kitchen a quick refresh without a full renovation? One of the easiest and most affordable upgrades is learning how to replace cabinet handles and knobs. Swapping out old hardware for modern or stylish pieces can instantly transform your cabinets—and your entire kitchen look. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to replace cabinet handles and knobs like a pro, whether you’re updating one drawer or the whole kitchen.

Why Replacing Handles and Knobs Matters in the Kitchen

Cabinet hardware is the “jewelry” of your kitchen. Over time, knobs and pulls can become worn, outdated, or loose. Replacing them not only improves your kitchen’s appearance but also makes drawers and doors easier to use.

Benefits of updating cabinet hardware:

  • Instantly modernizes your kitchen without major work
  • Improves grip and functionality
  • Fixes loose or broken hardware
  • Allows you to match other design elements (like faucet finishes or lighting)
  • Increases the resale appeal of your home

Best of all, it’s a beginner-friendly DIY project that requires just a few tools and a little time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Cabinet Handles and Knobs

1. Choose Your New Hardware

Before you start removing anything, pick out your new knobs or handles (also called pulls).

Things to consider:

  • Style: Traditional, modern, farmhouse, minimalist, vintage, etc.
  • Finish: Brushed nickel, matte black, chrome, bronze, gold, etc.
  • Type: Knobs (single-hole) or handles (two-hole)
  • Size and spacing: Measure your existing hardware to match hole spacing if you don’t want to drill new holes

Pro Tip: Buy one or two samples and test them on your cabinet before purchasing a full set.

2. Gather Your Tools and Materials

You’ll need:

  • New knobs or handles
  • Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on screw type)
  • Measuring tape or ruler
  • Pencil or masking tape (for marking holes)
  • Drill with bits (if adding new holes)
  • Wood filler (if filling old holes)
  • Sandpaper
  • Level (optional)

Optional: A cabinet hardware installation jig for perfect, repeatable hole placement.

3. Remove the Old Hardware

Start by unscrewing your old knobs or handles using a screwdriver.

Steps:

  • Open the cabinet or drawer
  • Hold the knob or handle with one hand
  • Use the screwdriver to remove the screws from the back side
  • Set aside the old hardware and screws (you may want to repurpose them)

Kitchen Tip: Clean the area with a mild cleaner or vinegar solution to remove residue or grime before installing new hardware.

4. Measure and Mark for New Hardware (if Changing Style)

If you’re switching from knobs to handles or changing the size of your pulls, you’ll need to drill new holes.

To mark new hole placement:

  • Decide on vertical or horizontal alignment
  • Use measuring tape to find the center point of the drawer or cabinet face
  • For handles, measure between screw holes (called “center-to-center” distance)
  • Mark holes with a pencil or masking tape

Pro Tip: Use a hardware jig for consistent spacing and alignment across all cabinets.

5. Drill New Holes (If Needed)

Using a power drill, drill new pilot holes through the marked spots.

Tips for safe drilling:

  • Use a sharp drill bit the same diameter as your screws
  • Place painter’s tape over the spot to prevent splintering
  • Drill slowly and steadily to avoid cracking the cabinet finish

Reminder: Only drill new holes if necessary. If you’re replacing knobs with new knobs, you can usually reuse the existing holes.

6. Fill Old Holes (Optional)

If you’re replacing handles with a different size or converting from two-hole handles to single knobs, you’ll need to fill the unused holes.

To patch holes:

  • Use wood filler and apply with a putty knife
  • Let it dry completely
  • Sand it smooth
  • Touch up with paint or a wood stain marker to match your cabinet finish

Hack: For a near-invisible finish, use cabinet-matching filler and finish carefully with light sanding.

7. Install the New Hardware

Now comes the fun part—attaching your new knobs or handles.

To install:

  • Insert the screw(s) through the back of the cabinet or drawer
  • Line up the hardware and tighten with a screwdriver
  • Be careful not to overtighten, which can strip the hole or crack the wood

Kitchen Tip: Install one knob or handle and step back to check the look and placement before finishing the rest.

8. Double Check Alignment and Tightness

Once everything is installed:

  • Open and close each drawer and door to check that the hardware feels secure
  • Ensure all handles are straight and level
  • Re-tighten any loose screws after a few days of use

Bonus Tip: Add a drop of thread-locking glue to screws if they tend to loosen over time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Not Measuring Existing Hole Spacing

Solution: Measure center-to-center distance before buying new handles to avoid unnecessary drilling.

Mistake 2: Skipping Pilot Holes

Solution: Always drill small pilot holes before driving screws into wood to prevent cracking or misalignment.

Mistake 3: Overtightening Screws

Solution: Stop turning once the knob or handle feels snug—too much force can damage the cabinet face.

Mistake 4: Misaligned Hardware

Solution: Use a hardware jig or double-check with a level to keep everything uniform and straight.

Mistake 5: Forgetting to Clean the Area First

Solution: Wipe down the area with a gentle cleaner before installing new hardware to ensure a clean finish.

Extra Tips & Kitchen Hacks

1. Mix and Match Styles

Try using knobs on cabinet doors and handles on drawers for a custom, high-end look. Just keep the finish consistent.

2. Add Decorative Backplates

Backplates go behind the knob or pull and can cover old holes, add a decorative touch, or prevent fingerprints and wear on the cabinet surface.

3. Label Bags for Future Use

Save and label a few of the old knobs and screws just in case you want to reuse or repair down the line.

Bonus Tip: Keep a screw and hardware parts organizer in your toolbox for easy access to extras.

Conclusion

Replacing your cabinet handles and knobs is one of the quickest, most satisfying ways to upgrade your kitchen. With a few tools and some stylish hardware, you can go from outdated to updated in just an afternoon. Whether you’re going for modern, classic, or rustic charm, this simple DIY can breathe new life into your entire space.

🛠️ Bookmark this guide and give your kitchen a mini-makeover—one knob at a time!