How to Install Cabinetry Hardware

Pulls and Knobs

• 1

  Mark the cabinet drawers for pilot holes where the drawer pulls or knobs will be installed. Mark a light line side to side in the center of your drawer face. Mark the center of this line; drawer pulls typically are installed in the center of the drawer. If your hardware requires two holes, space the holes equally from the center mark, using the pull or the paper template that comes with most hardware to assist with proper placement.

• 2

  Mark the cabinet doors for pilot holes where the door pulls or knobs will be installed. Door pulls are typically placed 1 to 2 inches from the bottom edge of upper cabinet doors and from the top edge of lower cabinets doors. They are set in 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches in from the vertical edge of the door. Mark this point. If your hardware requires two holes, use the pull or paper template to mark the second hole: above the first mark for uppers; below the mark for lowers.

• 3

  Drill the pilot holes, using a sharp bit that's slightly larger than the screws for your hardware; a 3/16-inch bit usually will do. Consult your hardware instructions for specifics. Drill each hole steadily, without forcing, through the thickness of the drawer or door.

• 4

  Place the knob over its single hole and insert a screw through the back of the door. Twist in the screw by hand, then tighten it with a screwdriver. Position the pull over both holes. Insert one screw into the pull through the back of the door. Twist it down by hand, then add the second screw. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver to avoid overtightening.

Door Hinges

• 5

  Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for back set dimensions. Mark the door for pilot holes, using the hinge or the provided template. Drill a shallow hole with a small pilot bit, typically 1/8 inch, a little shallower than the length of the screw.

• 6

  Attach the hinges to the door by tightening the screws into the wood with a screwdriver to avoid stripping.

• 7

  Set the door in place on the cabinet, Mark pilot holes, using the hinge screw holes as a template to. Drill the cabinet face the same as you did for the door. Position the door on the cabinet, add screws and tighten them with a screwdriver.

Drawer Slides

• 8

  Separate the cabinet and drawer components. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for placement. Predrill the cabinet bulkhead -- the side panel. Place the cabinet component in place. Tighten it down with one screw at the front and one at the back. Repeat for the opposite side.

• 9

  Attach the drawer component to the drawer box, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Predrill the holes to avoid splitting. Insert the screws and tighten them with a screwdriver to avoid stripping.

• 10

  Place the drawer into the cabinet. Test it for proper operation. Remove the drawer to add the remaining screws to the cabinet component.