Put-on furniture handles provide your cabinets with an aesthetic finish that changes the boring furniture to the elegant features of your home. Whether you are changing from silver handles on your cabinets or putting on new ones for the very first time, this guide will assist you in appreciating the procedures, equipment, and strategies that comprise professional completing tasks. Screwing the handles on the cabinet appears to be a trivial process but to get the right angle and the positioning of the knobs is another issue that deserves merit. Here, we will show you how to install different types of furniture handles and provide some tips that will help you make the work done look perfect and functional.
Why Choosing the Right Handle Matters
The selection of the right handle style must be precise because it influences the appearance as well as the ergonomics of cabinets. Making use of brass for having handles on the cabinets is preferable since they do not rust and complement any type of furniture. Using the proper material, size, and style of the handle, it is also important to consider where the handle is located. For example, metal handles with smooth streamlined designs are appropriate for modern cabinets, and raised handles with designs add to the antique cabinets.
Tools You’ll Need for Installation
Before diving into the installation process, gather the necessary tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Screwdriver (or a drill with the appropriate bit)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil or marking tool
- Ruler or level
- Drill bits (for making holes if your cabinets don’t already have them)
- Template or jig (optional but highly recommended for consistency)
Step 1: Select the Ideal Position for Your Handles
The location of the furniture handles determines how easily they can be grasped as well as their visibility. Handles relate to the width of drawers and are usually in the middle of the drawer or, for cabinets, they are located at a distance of 2-3 inches from the edges. When positioning it before the actual drilling or marking, try different positions that suit you best and at the same time are visually acceptable.
Tips for Positioning:
- On base cabinets, the handles should be installed high near the top corner of the door.
- For upper cabinets, position handles toward the bottom corner.
- On drawers, center the handle for a symmetrical look.
Step 2: Mark the Handle Placement
When you have decided where to fix the handle, it is time to identify locations for the drilling. With a pencil or a marking pen, it is possible to draw points where each screw must be inserted. A template or jig can used here especially if you are putting many handles and want them to be of equal heights.
If you do not have the materials to make a template, get a piece of cardboard or any other thick material and draw one. Just ensure the measurements are consistent across all handles if you intend to adopt the brass handles for cabinets as a set of four screws set of four screws.
Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes
When the placement point is identified, it is time to drill the pilot holes. A pilot hole is simply a small hole drilled in the material where the screw is to be fixed. Pilot holes ensure that the wood or the material used in the cabinet-making process does not crack when screws are passed through it and this makes work easier when fixing them.
How to Drill Pilot Holes Correctly:
- It is important also to select a drill bit that corresponds to the sizes of screws that shall be used.
- Make sure that your depth is accurate so that the hole is only deep enough to accommodate the screw.
Step 4: Attach the Handle
With pilot holes prepared you simply line up the handle with the holes and proceed to insert the screws. Turn the screws clockwise with a screwdriver until the handle is firmly in place but refrain from applying excessive force – as this will only damage the heads of such screws or even the cabinet material.
Tips for Installing Brass Handles:
- The appearance of brass handles for cabinets is also prone to deterioration due to moisture, any unnecessary handling of the brass should be done during the installation phase.
- It is recommended to use a piece of soft cloth to cradle and orientate the handle for a perfect fit if you do not want to leave finger marks on the surface of the handle.
If you are using a power drill, lower the intensity so that you will not over-tighten the screws and just cause more damage to the handle. It is usually recommended for brass and other delicate materials, hand-tightening is the safest procedure to follow.
Step 5: Check for Proper Alignment
It also important that items are aligned as this will ensure a professional look. When each Brass handles for cabinet is installed, step back to evaluate the landscape of the cabinet or drawer front. One can ensure everything is perpendicular and regularly spaced, which is important for the outcome of the design. In case you see very small approximations, correct them before tightening all the handles altogether.
Final Check and Adjustments
Once all the Brass handles for cabinets are installed, it’s time for a final check. Open and close each cabinet and drawer to ensure the handles are properly aligned and function smoothly. If any handles are loose, tighten the screws as necessary.
Conclusion
Installing furniture handles can be a satisfying project that updates your cabinets and enhances your home’s overall look. By following these steps and taking a few precautions, you can achieve a professional result that aligns with your design preferences. Choosing quality materials, like brass handles for cabinets, will provide durability and a classic style that complements many decor themes. For a wide range of quality handle options and expert advice, visit VIGOROUSHOME to explore handles that suit your unique style and cabinet design.
