If your kitchen or bathroom cabinets look a little dated, you may not need a full remodel to give them a fresh new look. One of the easiest upgrades you can make is replacing the cabinet hardware.
New knobs, pulls, and hinges can change the style of a room surprisingly quickly – and you don’t have to be a professional to tackle many hardware replacements yourself. With a few basic tools, a little patience, and the right measurements, you can give your cabinets an inexpensive facelift.
Here’s what homeowners should know before getting started.
Start by Choosing the Right Hardware
Cabinet hardware comes in a wide range of styles, finishes, and sizes. Before buying anything, think about the overall look you want.
For a modern kitchen, simple bar pulls in black, brushed nickel, or another clean finish can create a sleek appearance. Traditional kitchens may look better with cup pulls, decorative knobs, or classic finishes.
Don’t forget about function, either. Pulls are often easier to grab than small knobs, especially on frequently used drawers and larger cabinet doors.
If you’re replacing existing hardware, you may also want to choose new pieces that use the same hole spacing. This can save you from drilling new holes and makes the project much easier.
Measure Before You Buy
This is one of the most important steps – and one of the easiest to overlook.
For cabinet knobs, you’ll typically only need to know the diameter and the length of the mounting screw. For pulls, measure the distance between the centers of the mounting holes. This measurement is commonly referred to as the “center-to-center” measurement.
If you’re replacing existing pulls, remove one and take it with you when shopping. You can also measure the distance between the holes with a tape measure.
Buying hardware before measuring can lead to an annoying surprise when the new pull doesn’t line up with the existing holes.
Replacing Cabinet Knobs and Pulls
Once you have the correct hardware, replacing knobs and pulls is usually straightforward.
Start by opening the cabinet or drawer and locating the screw on the inside. Hold the existing knob or pull from the outside while using a screwdriver to loosen the screw from the inside.
Once the old hardware is removed, clean the area around the hole. Years of cooking residue, dust, and fingerprints can collect around cabinet hardware.
Install the new knob or pull and tighten the screw until it feels secure. Avoid overtightening, especially on particleboard or MDF cabinet doors, since excessive pressure can damage the material.
For new pulls that require different hole locations, use a cabinet hardware template or jig. This helps keep your measurements consistent so every handle lines up neatly.
What About Cabinet Hinges?
Replacing cabinet hinges is a little more involved, but it’s still a manageable project for many homeowners.
First, identify the type of hinge your cabinets use. Some hinges are visible when the cabinet is closed, while others are concealed inside the cabinet. European-style concealed hinges are especially common on modern kitchen cabinets.
Before removing a hinge, support the cabinet door and take note of how the existing hinge is positioned. If you’re replacing concealed hinges, make sure the new hinges are compatible with your cabinet doors and mounting plates.
It’s a good idea to replace hinges one door at a time. That way, you always have an untouched cabinet to reference if you’re unsure how something is supposed to fit.
After installation, open and close the door several times. Many concealed hinges have adjustment screws that allow you to fine-tune the door so the gaps are even and the door sits properly.
A Few Tips for a Better Result
Before you start, lay out all of your new hardware and make sure you have enough pieces and the correct screws.
It’s also helpful to keep a screwdriver, measuring tape, pencil, and small level nearby. If you’re drilling new holes, a template or hardware jig can make a big difference.
And don’t rush the measuring step. A few extra minutes spent checking your measurements can prevent a cabinet full of crooked or uneven handles.
When to Call a Professional
Replacing a few cabinet knobs is a great DIY project, but larger hardware upgrades can become more complicated – especially when you’re dealing with damaged cabinet doors, new hinge locations, or other kitchen remodeling work.
If your hardware project turns into a bigger cabinet or kitchen update, a local handyman and remodeling professional can help you get the job done correctly.
Damian’s Handyman and Remodeling Services helps homeowners throughout the West Valley, including Surprise, Sun City, El Mirage, Waddell, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, Peoria, and Glendale. Our company provides everything from smaller handyman projects to kitchen and bathroom remodeling.
Whether you’re replacing a few worn-out cabinet pulls or planning a larger kitchen update, the right hardware can make a noticeable difference.
Sometimes, a small change is all it takes to make your cabinets – and your entire kitchen – feel fresh again.