How to Change Cabinet Knobs to Pulls
The good news is that homeowners are spoiled for choice when it comes to cabinet hardware. In fact, it can be difficult to make a decision. The bad news is that, when you do decide to switch from knobs to pulls, it can get a little more complicated (though still fairly easy). The main difference between the two types of hardware is that knobs require one screw to install, while handles need two. If you are unable to decide whether to go with pulls or knobs, the most important thing to keep in mind is that both options are very functional and provide many design choices.
Traditionally, knobs have been the most common kitchen cabinet hardware choice. They are typically round and mount on a single post, and they are available in almost any shape and size. You can find them in a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, natural stone, and wood. They can be painted or left in their natural state. They can also come in a wide range of finishes, such as matte, brushed, oil-rubbed, and polished.
With the wide array of choices in styles and finishes, there is a cabinet knob to fit any kitchen design. You can even find cabinet knobs in a number of different shapes, such as geometric and hexagonal. And, if you’re looking for something completely unique, you can also choose a knob with a handle that is attached to it.
While knobs are a very popular option, they do take up some space and can be a bit difficult to grasp with your fingers, especially when you have long nails. And, like all hardware, knobs can wear out over time. That’s why some people choose to change their cabinet knobs to pulls, which are a little more user-friendly and allow you to easily open and close your drawers and cabinets with a single hand.
When changing from knobs to pulls, the most important consideration is the amount of space needed for your hands when you’re opening and closing your drawers or cabinets. Generally, you’ll want to make sure that your new pulls are at least the same width as the old knobs. If you have a lot of hand space, you can even consider wider pulls.
The two most popular variations on the knob theme are cup pulls and finger pulls. Cup pulls have a rounded front that makes them a great option for kitchens with modern or contemporary designs. They mount flush to the bottom edge of upper cabinet doors and the top edge of lower door edges, and only the front lip of the pull is visible when the cabinets are closed.
When mounting finger pulls on cabinet drawers, they are usually centered 2 to 3 inches up from the bottom edge of the drawer. If you have drawers with stiles, the pulls will be positioned at the top edge of each of the horizontal rails that frame your drawer.
