It can be rewarding in more ways than one to customize and install your own home accessories like cabinets and your hardware. While it may look extremely elegant when finished, it’s actually quite simple to do on your own.
- Your first step is to find the correct size bit. You want one that matches the thread hole in the handle. You can try a few different sizes, but your best bet is the one that fits the hardware best.
- Now you need to figure out exactly where you want to install the handles. For the drawers, you should put them in the middle. For cabinet doors, it’s more important to have them in a convenient location for you. Many people put handles in the bottom corner, while others may put them in the middle of the inside edge. Just make sure where you want them before you start drilling.
- Using a pencil and a level, mark exactly where you want the handles to be placed. If you are installing the drawer handles with two screws, you will need to use the level. For cabinets, you can use the level when you make sure the two different handles are even on their respective doors.
- Pre-drill the holes at the marked locations. This will give the screws something to hold onto when you start to assemble the cabinets and drawers. Be sure not to go too deep, otherwise the hole will be too loose for the screws.
- Just line up the hardware with the holes and start screwing on the handles. You can use a drill or a simple screwdriver, depending on the pre-drilled hole and the length of the screw you use. When the screws are fully tightened, there should be no gap between the hardware and the cabinets.
It is important to remember that when you pre-drill, make sure you do not go all the way through the cabinet. Most cabinet doors do not need nuts behind the handle; therefore going all the way through could split the wood after years of use.