How to Install Cabinet Hardware

Renovating a kitchen can be an expensive and time-consuming project. However, you can make a major impact with an easy project by installing new cabinet hardware. New hardware can change the entire look of kitchen cabinets. Go from outdated handles and hinges to a more modern look to update the room at minimal cost and effort.

Knobs and Handles

Step 1

Unscrew and remove all old cabinet hardware, using a screw driver or electric drill with a screwdriver bit.

Step 2

Compare the old knobs and handles to the new hardware. If the holes do not match up, fill the existing holes with wood putty and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

Step 3

Measure where the holes are in the new knobs and handles. Use a measuring tape to measure from the side and bottom edge of the doors and mark with a pencil where the new holes need to be drilled in the cabinets.

Step 4

Drill holes in the cabinets with a 3/16 drill bit from the front of the door all the way through the wood. Drilling from the back could cause the wood on the front of the door to splinter.

Step 5

Hold the hardware up to the hole, insert the provided screw in the back and tighten with a screwdriver or drill. Continue until all handles and knobs are attached. Tighten the screws but don't overtighten them or you may cause the wood cabinet to crack.

Hinges

Step 1

Unscrew all the hinges that are attaching the cabinet doors to the cabinets themselves. Match the old hinges up to the new ones and see if the screw holes match up.

Step 2

Fill the old holes with wood putty if they do not match with the holes required for the new hardware.

Step 3

Measure where you want the hinges to sit. Mark the perimeter of each, along with a mark where each screw hole should be. Make sure they are in the same location on every cabinet, so that they are even.

Step 4

Predrill holes in the cabinets and doors in the marked locations. Hold the hinges up to the doors and cabinets, and screw in the screws.

Step 5

Attach all of the hinges. Do not overtighten the screws or you may cause the wood to crack.