Using the templates
- Print at 100% (Actual size) and measure the check square on each page. From a phone, save a PDF and print that.
- Trim each template on its heavy lines. Those lines are the edges of the door or drawer front, so tape the template to the front with them lined up on the wood.
- Press an awl into each crosshair, take the paper off and drill straight through from the front.
Drill one test hole in scrap first to check the bit and screw length. Clamp a scrap block behind each hole so the back face doesn't splinter.
Example: a pair of 15 x 30 in base doors with knobs 2-1/2 in from the opening edge and 3 in from the top gives two templates, one for the left-hinged door and a mirror image for the right. A 36 in drawer with 128 mm pulls gets two pulls, 6 in and 30 in from the left end to their centers.
Questions
Where should knobs go on cabinet doors?
On the corner away from the hinges: the top corner of base doors and the bottom corner of wall doors. KraftMaid says 2 to 3 in from both edges, Emtek 2-1/2 to 3 in from the corner, Amerock's guide says 3 to 4 in from the corner, and MasterBrand uses 1 in over and 3 in down. This page starts at 2-1/2 in and 3 in; pick one and use it everywhere.
Where do knobs and pulls go on Shaker doors?
On the stile, centered across it. KraftMaid's traditional spot is where the middle of the stile crosses the middle of the rail; their updated look puts the hardware level with the rail's inner edge. MasterBrand also centers it on the stile.
When does a drawer need two pulls?
Makers disagree. Top Knobs puts two knobs on drawers over 16 in, Emtek over 24 in, and MasterBrand uses two pulls over 30 in. Set your own width for each kind of hardware, or choose one or two on any drawer.
Where do two pulls go on a wide drawer?
Top Knobs and Emtek divide the drawer into thirds and center one in each outer third. KraftMaid centers them on the two lines that divide it into thirds. Some people center each in its half. All three are choices here.
How do I measure the hole spacing of a pull?
From the center of one screw hole to the center of the other, not the length of the pull. A pull sold as 3-3/4 in is usually 96 mm, which is a little more, so tap the metric size when the pack gives one.
What size drill bit and screws do I need?
Amerock recommends a 3/16 in bit for most knobs and pulls, and 1/4 in for pulls with studs. Screws should be about 1/4 in longer than the front is thick, so a drawer front fixed to a drawer box needs longer screws than a door.
Sources: KraftMaid hardware placement guide; Emtek decorative hardware guide; Amerock, Installing new cabinet hardware (PDF); MasterBrand hardware placement guide; Top Knobs hardware sizing guide; Kreg knob and pull placement guide.