Are you looking to update your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, or perhaps add some personality to a tired old dresser? A simple and affordable way to achieve this is by installing new drawer pulls. Drawer pulls not only enhance the look of your furniture, but they also make it easier to open and close drawers.
In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of how to install drawer pulls. We will cover everything from the tools and materials required to the proper measurement and marking of your drawer, drilling holes, and attaching the pulls.
Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before you begin installing drawer pulls, you need to gather the necessary tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tools:
- Power drill
- Drill bit (appropriate size for your drawer pull screws)
- Screwdriver (flathead or Phillips head depending on your screws)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pencil or marker
- Level (optional, but recommended)
Materials:
- Drawer pulls
- Screws (included with your drawer pulls or purchased separately)
- Sandpaper (optional, but recommended)
When choosing your drawer pulls, keep in mind the style and size you want to achieve. Measure the distance between your current screw holes to ensure your new pulls fit correctly. If you are replacing your old pulls with new ones, you can save yourself some time and money by purchasing pulls with the same hole spacing.
Measure and Mark the Drawer
The next step in installing drawer pulls is to measure and mark your drawer to ensure proper placement of the pulls. Follow these steps for accurate measurements:
- Measure the width of your drawer and divide it in half to find the center point.
- Place your pull on the center point and use a pencil or marker to mark the screw holes.
- Measure the distance between the two holes on your pull and transfer those measurements to your drawer, making sure they are level and centered.
- Double-check your measurements and mark the holes with a pencil or marker.
Tips for ensuring accurate measurements and placement of the pulls:
- Use a level to ensure that your pulls are straight and evenly spaced.
- If you are installing pulls on multiple drawers, use a template or jig to ensure uniformity.
- For larger drawers, consider installing two pulls to make it easier to open and close.
Drill Holes for the Drawer Pulls
Now that you have measured and marked your drawer, it’s time to drill the holes for your drawer pulls. Follow these steps for proper installation:
- Choose the appropriate drill bit size for your screws. The drill bit should be slightly smaller than the screw diameter.
- Place the drill bit on one of the marked holes and drill straight through the drawer.
- Repeat the process for the other hole.
- Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges around the holes.
Pro tip: If you’re drilling into a delicate material like glass or ceramic, use a piece of masking tape over the area where you will be drilling to prevent the bit from slipping.
By following these steps, you can easily install your own drawer pulls and give your furniture a fresh new look.
Attach the Drawer Pulls
Now that you have drilled the holes for your drawer pulls, it’s time to attach them to the drawer. Here’s how:
- Insert the screws through the back of the drawer pull. Make sure the screws are long enough to go through the thickness of the drawer.
- Line up the holes on the back of the drawer pull with the holes you drilled in the drawer.
- Insert the screws through the holes and hand-tighten them to secure the drawer pull in place.
- Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws fully. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can strip the wood or cause the pull to become loose over time.
Repeat this process for each drawer pull until you have installed all of them.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully installed your drawer pulls. Remember, proper installation is essential for both functionality and aesthetics. Here are a few final tips and reminders:
- Always use the appropriate tools and materials.
- Double-check your measurements and markings before drilling.
- Sand the edges of the holes to prevent splintering.
- Use a level to ensure your pulls are straight.
- Don’t over-tighten the screws.
- Regularly check the screws to ensure they remain tight.
By following these steps, you can easily and affordably update the look of your furniture with new drawer pulls.