Whether you are fitting handles in a new kitchen or replacing the handles in your existing kitchen, we would like to help you get started. Looking for a guide to fitting handles to IKEA kitchen doors or doors from another brand? Read on.
A drilling template makes it easier to fit handles and knobs. Use it to position and mark the holes accurately. Rest the template's edge guide against the edge of the door or drawer to align it and repeat the same position on each front. Choose the spacing that matches the handle's fixing holes.
You will need:
- A screwdriver
- A drilling template
- A pencil
- A suitable drill bit: Ø4, Ø5 or Ø6 mm, depending on the fixing screws and fitting instructions
- A drill
- A measuring tape or folding rule
1) Choose the handle position
First decide whether the handle should sit in the centre or towards the side. For a central position, find and mark the centre of the door with your measuring tape and pencil.
2) Use the drilling template
For a central handle, line up the centre of the template with your mark. For a handle towards the side, align the template with the edge of the drawer or door, as shown below. This helps you position every handle consistently.
Mark the holes through the template. The template described here supports centre-to-centre spacings from 32 to 320 mm. Select the spacing that matches the distance between the handle's two fixing holes.
3) Drill the holes in the door or drawer
Drill at your marks, using a drill bit suitable for the material and the hole size specified for your fixings.
4) Fit the handle
Attach the handle using a screwdriver with the correct tip. We recommend tightening by hand with a screwdriver to reduce the risk of damaging the threads. Do not overtighten.
Replacing existing handles
1) Remove the old handles
Start by removing the existing handles and measuring the distance between their two screw holes.
2) Choose handles with the correct spacing
Measure from the centre of one hole to the centre of the other. This measurement is called centre-to-centre spacing, or c/c, and is given in millimetres. For example, if the centres are 12.8 cm apart, you need a handle with a c/c spacing of 128 mm.
3) Fit the new handles
Use a screwdriver with the correct tip to secure the new handles. Tighten by hand to avoid damaging the threads.
Understanding c/c measurements
Common handle spacings include c/c 96, 128 and 160 mm. Copenhagen Home Design offers handles in a wide range of sizes. Check the c/c measurement on the individual product: it is not the same as the handle's overall length.
If you want a longer handle than your existing one, consider whether a wider handle, an edge pull or a handle with a backplate could cover the old holes. Check the dimensions and fixing method before ordering; not every design will cover existing holes. Browse all our handles.
Where should you position the handle?
There is no single correct position for every kitchen. The following suggestions cover base units, tall units and wall units, and can help you balance appearance with comfortable use.
A starting point is to position kitchen handles and knobs around 2.5–5 cm from the edge of the front. Treat this as a guide, not a fixed rule: the front's construction and the handle's dimensions also matter.
Consider the size of the cabinet, its position and the size of the handle. Make sure doors and drawers can open fully without the handle hitting neighbouring fronts or handles. This is especially important at corners.
Here are some possible positions to try before drilling:
Base units
Drawers: On a plain drawer front, the handle can sit centrally or nearer the top, depending on the design.
Doors: Options include the centre of the door, the top centre, or near the top on the side opposite the hinges. Depending on the handle and front, choose a horizontal or vertical orientation.
Tall units
Drawers: Consider a central position or one closer to the top, depending on the front.
Doors: A handle may sit centrally or on the side opposite the hinges, horizontally or vertically. Choose a height that is comfortable to reach.
Wall units
Doors: Place the handle near the bottom, either centrally or on the side opposite the hinges. A horizontal or vertical position can work, depending on the design.
For tall units with two doors above one another, handles are often placed opposite the hinges, near the bottom of the upper door and near the top of the lower door.
Ultimately, the right position depends on your kitchen and your preferences. Try different positions before drilling to find a solution that looks right and is comfortable to use.
Explore brass handles, black handles, porcelain handles and our full range of kitchen handles. Prefer knobs? Discover brass knobs, porcelain knobs, furniture knobs and black knobs.
You can also watch our handle installation video on YouTube.
If you are unsure about fitting your handles, contact us at mail@copenhagenhomedesign.dk.
For more guidance, read our guide to choosing door handles with 30 or 38 mm fixing centres. Or start your next DIY project with our guide to making your own coat rack.
