Revitalizing your kitchen doesn’t always mean a full-scale renovation. One of the most straightforward and impactful ways to give your space a refresh is by updating the knobs and pulls on your kitchen cabinets. This guide will take you through choosing the ideal hardware for your kitchen’s aesthetic and the seamless installation process using the Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig Pro.
Choosing the Right Handles and Knobs
Selecting the appropriate knobs and pulls for your kitchen cabinets is crucial for both the look and functionality of your kitchen. Here’s how you can pick the right hardware:
1. Match the aesthetic
Focus on your kitchen’s existing theme and whether you’re planning any other update projects. Are you aiming for a modern, traditional, rustic, or minimalist look?
Choose hardware that fits the style you have or are going for. The choice of hardware should complement the overall design of your project or the look you’re going for. The finish, color, and style of the knobs or handles should enhance the project’s appearance, making it look cohesive and well-thought-out.
2. Finishing touches
Coordinating the finish of your knobs and pulls with other fixtures in your kitchen, like faucets and lighting fixtures, can unify your space. Popular finishes include stainless steel, matte black, and bronze.
3. Size
Think about how the hardware feels in your hand. Larger pulls might be necessary for drawers used frequently or that are heavy and need more grip. Conversely, knobs could be ideal for smaller cabinets and drawers.
Keep in mind that pulls are generally measured by the distance between the centers of the screw holes, known as center-to-center measurement.
4. Proportions
Scale is key. The size of the hardware should complement the size of the cabinet or drawer. A general rule is that pulls are more functional on drawers, especially larger ones for ease of use, whereas knobs look great on cabinets.
5. Functionality
Something that’s easy to overlook is using your new knobs or pulls. For instance, heavier drawers require more durable handles and slides, whereas decorative hardware may be lighter but should still maintain functionality. The type of use — whether heavy-duty, frequent, or purely decorative — will help narrow down your selection.
Installing Cabinet Hardware
Planning Placement
Decide on the placement of your knobs and pulls. For a uniform look, ensure that all hardware aligns with one another across all doors and drawers.
A movable end stop and built-in measuring scales on the Cabinet Hardware Jig Pro make it easy to position knobs and pulls precisely.
Set up your jig
Adjust the Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig Pro to match the specific measurements of your hardware.
Drill holes
Secure the jig and use your drill to create clean, precise holes. Hardened steel drill guides on the jig make it simple to drill straight, perfectly aligned holes.
Attach hardware
Screw in your new knobs or pulls by hand, and then tighten with a screwdriver.
Using the Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig Pro
Installing new knobs and pulls can be a breeze with the right tools. The Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig Pro gives you precise placement and installation, ensuring your new hardware is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The jig is perfect for installing one new knob or dozens of large pulls — from 1 ¾” to 12″ center to center. Plus, the Cabinet Hardware Jig Pro features movable, hardened-steel drill guides that lock in place for repeatable results.
Check out the video below to see how easy it is.
Enjoy the new look
Updating your kitchen by changing out the knobs or pulls is a simple yet effective makeover that can transform the space. With the help of the Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig Pro, this DIY project can be completed quickly and with professional results, making your kitchen look more polished and up-to-date.
Associated Products
Cabinet Hardware Jig Pro
Cabinet Hardware Jig
Ultimate Hardware Installation Kit
Concealed Hinge Jig
