How to Apply Kitchen Knobs and Pulls

Decide where you want to position the pulls and knobs on the cabinet doors.

Measure the distance between the top and bottom of the cabinet door where the knob or pull is to be positioned. The fixings should be in the same position on each of the cabinets, especially if they are fitted side by side.

Mark the position where the center of the knob or pull is to be attached. Use a pencil to make a small but visible mark on the outside of the cabinet door.

Some laminated cabinets are shiny, and may cause the drill bit to slip across the surface, leaving a scratch. Press the point of a bradawl into the mark to make a small indent. The indent will allow better purchase for the drill bit when drilling a hole.

Tear off a small strip of masking tape, and stick it to the inside of the cabinet door behind your mark. The masking tape will prevent the surface of the door from splitting and chipping when you drill a hole.

Attach a woodworking drill bit to the drill. Most knobs and pulls require a standard-sized hole, which a 3/16-inch drill bit provides. Use a drill bit for metal surfaces if you're drilling through stainless steel.

Put on goggles or other eye protection, and drill a hole through the cabinet door. Keep the drill horizontal while drilling through the mark on the door.

Remove the masking tape from the interior of the cabinet door.

Insert the screw through the drilled hole from the back of the door, so the threaded part is facing the front of the cabinet.

Attach the knob or pull onto the thread of the screw. Turn the knob or pull to the right on the thread of the screw until it is hand tight.

Hold the knob or pull, and tighten the screw at the back of the door with a screwdriver until it is tight.