Installing cabinet handles is not as complicated as you think. There is no need to hire a professional installer. With a little background, you can get new cabinet handles installed in no time. You do not have to be an expert in using tools. A little experience and knowledge will be helpful.

Whether you want to avoid high installation expenses or perform the job yourself, the steps below will be of great use on your part. Are you ready? Keep reading to be guided with the installation.

· Utilize the Door Rail as a Guide

The location of cabinet handles is not written in stone. However, there are standard practices. One rule of thumb is to line up a pull with the top of the bottom door rail. In case you will install door handles, line up its bottom with the top of the door rail. Remember to center them on the door stile.

· Temporarily Attach the Cabinet Hardware

If you are uncertain about where the handles are to be installed, stick a piece of reusable adhesive to them and try out various spots. Mark the one you prefer with a pencil. Then install the rest accordingly. The reusable adhesive is available at any art supply or hardware store.

· Templates Make the Job More Convenient

If you have more than a few handles to install, it is best to utilize a template. It makes the job faster and easier than you think. It increases uniformity and reduces your risk to commit expensive mistakes. Like reusable adhesive, it is available in stores near you.

· Cover Unused Holes with a Good Tape

Well-used homemade or store-bought templates have a lot of holes that you will not use on a single job. Be sure to avoid the wrong hole. You can stick tape over the template. Then poke the holes you highly need. Mark the location of the hole on your cabinetry thru a pencil and an awl. Because of that, your drilling tool will never skate-off.

· Hide Old Holes Using Back Plates

Whether you are switching from a knob to pull or selecting the one with a different hole pattern, just cover the old holes than new ones. If there are damaged surfaces, hide them with backplates. Also, there is a huge selection online these days. So, purchase from a store any time of the day.

· Superglue the Handles

Cabinet handles that are fastened with a single screw twist over time. Thread sealant will keep it tight. However, it will not stop the hardware from twisting. To address the dilemma, add a drop of glue to its back before installation.

· Create a Drawer Template

A template is important when installing cabinet handles. In case you don’t have one, create a drawer template. It consists of two pieces of wood, which takes a minute or two to make. You can use it for any door size and hardware as well.

· Two-Sided Templates Avoids Tear-Out

When the wood tears out every time you drill a hole, it is best to make a two-sided template. Be sure that the spacer wood is close to the size of the cabinet doors. Remember that the tighter the fit, the less risk to tear-out.

· Utilize Thread Sealant to Keep Screws Tight

Over a long time, screws in cabinet handles work themselves loose. Sometimes, you may think unflattering thoughts about whoever repaired them. Put an end to the problem by adding enough thread sealant to all screws you install. Be cautious when buying an adhesive to make sure you’ll have a worthwhile investment.

· Mix the Putty until You Achieve the Perfect Result

Not all the time backplates can cover old holes. If this happens, take advantage of putty to fill them. The wood grain on doors and fronts of a cabinet typically vary in color. Therefore, you should purchase various colors of putty. But those that are a perfect match to the darkest and lightest grain. Mix them and achieve the right color to fill the holes.

· Install Handles Higher on the Lowest Drawer

Most cabinet handles are centered on the drawer fronts. But there are some have two or more drawers of different sizes. Install the bottom handle higher than the center of that particular drawer front. Get it installed, so these handles are spaced evenly. This configuration is cool and catchy. Also, there is no need to bend over just to open the bottom drawer.

· Excellent Finish Touch-Ups

Right after finishing the handle installation, set aside a container of finish or paint for touch-ups. If your product manufacturer did not include one with the furniture, you could make one. Clean out a bottle of nail polish and fill it with paint.

· Adjust Hinges on Doors

Whether your cabinet doors are out of whack or your hinges are in European style, don’t worry; you are just in luck. Euro hinges are specially designed for hassle-free adjustment. Never allow their complex look to overwhelm you. All you have to do is turn screws. Other mistakes are simple and can be easy to correct. If everything is burdensome, feel free to seek help from a relative or a close friend.

Other Tips When Installing Cabinet Handles

When you’re working on a home improvement project, simple things can be tricky. The best example is the installation of cabinet hardware. Installing the handles on cabinets does not seem complicated at all. However, it is something you have to get right the first time to avoid permanent damages to your furniture.

Here are other tips to keep in mind:

· Collect All Necessary Tools

Having everything you need for cabinet handles installation will help prevent you from getting a headache and save time. For installing this and other hardware, you need a drill and drill bit, a hammer, a tape measure, a screwdriver, and a pencil.

· Decide Where Your Handle will be Placed

The most common placement is centered installation. But having some hardware off-center looks better than expected. Depending on the hardware of your option, you may decide if you’re installing it horizontally or vertically. Many homeowners make a template out of scrap wood or cardboard to ensure that their holes are the same. Whether you utilize a template or measure each spot, you can mark the center with a pencil.

· The Right Size Drill Bit Should not be Overlooked

If the hole is big, your cabinet handle will be loose. When the hole is small, the screw will not fit thru. For you to find the right size of drill bit, put the tool into the hole in the handle where the screw will go exactly.

· Make Sure the Cabinet Hardware is Snug

When it is about time to install the handle, hand-tighten the screws. Once you switch to the screwdriver, a couple of turns should be followed. Remember not to over-tighten it to protect the wood from expensive damages shortly.