How to measure hole centers and fit new handles

1. Unscrew one old handle

Undo the screws from the inside of the door or drawer. Keep them until the new one is on.

2. Measure center to center

Measure from the middle of one screw hole to the middle of the other, not the length of the old handle. Our brass pulls fit exact centers from 2-1/2 in (64 mm) to 16-3/8 in (416 mm); the table below shows which pulls fit each size.

3. Check the door thickness

Our brass knobs come with a 1 in (25 mm) screw, and the antique bronze knob adds a 1-3/4 in (45 mm) screw for doors up to 2 in (50 mm). The long bent pull comes with two 1 in (25 mm) M4 screws, and the bar pulls fix with two screws from inside the door. For thicker doors, use longer M4 screws.

Inches are not millimeters

1 inch is 25.4 mm, so 6 inches is 152.4 mm and won't take a 6-5/16 in (160 mm) pull. Don't force a pull onto holes that nearly match; ask us about your measurement instead.

Knobs need one hole

Every knob fits a single screw hole. Diameter is the width across the face: 13/16 to 1-3/16 in for The Round Brass Cabinet Knob, 1-3/16 in (30 mm) for the Nurlin Solid Brass Cabinet Knob and 3/4 to 1-1/8 in for The Antique Bronze Round Brass Cabinet Knob, in base, ball and stem styles.

New cabinets: think in proportions

A pull around one-third of the drawer width is a useful starting point, not a fixed rule. Wide, heavy drawers often feel better with a longer grip. Tape a paper outline to the front and try it before drilling.

Knobs, pulls or both

Knobs keep wall cabinets light; pulls make drawers easy to use. Keep one finish across the room: The Knurled Brass Cabinet Knob and Pull comes as a knob, a T-bar and five pull lengths in one knurl and one matte nickel finish.

Mark once, check twice

Use a drilling template and a backing block to reduce breakout. Check level, clearance and symmetry on every front, and check the projection at corners so neighboring handles can't collide. Tighten by hand, not with a drill.

Count by specification

Write down each size and finish, then count the pieces for each. Twelve 6-5/16 in (160 mm) pulls, six 1 in (25 mm) knobs and one long pantry pull is three specifications, not nineteen interchangeable pieces.

House numerals

The Brass House Number and Letter Sign is solid brass, 4 in (101 mm) tall, and fixes with two screws from the front. The floating zinc numbers measure 5 x 0.5 in (125 x 12 mm) and fix with screws from the back. Mark every position on a level line before you drill, and see all house numbers.

Checking clearances and handle projection

Measure the space around adjacent cupboard doors and corner drawers before choosing your hardware. Different models sit at different depths from the cabinet face.

The Arc / Split pull stands about 13/16 in (20 mm) off the door and the Heritage / Antique bar pull 1 in (25 mm). The Knurl / Nickel bar pull projects 1-5/16 in (34 mm), and the Knurl / Round-foot pull stands out 1-7/16 in (36 mm). Ensure opening doors will not strike neighboring handles or adjoining walls.

Fitting long pulls and pairs

For tall pantry cupboards and wide drawer fronts, The Long Bent Brass Cabinet Pull fits 16-3/8 in (416 mm) centers, and the Knurl / Nickel bar pull goes up to 12-5/8 in (320 mm). Don't mount the knurled bar on appliance doors, grab bars or entry doors.

The Arc / Split pull comes in left and right versions on 3-3/4 in (96 mm) or 5-1/16 in (128 mm) centers, so you can fit a matching pair across double cupboard doors. Browse our Solid brass cabinet pulls to view each design.

Cleaning and surface care

After fitting your hardware, wipe it with a soft, dry cloth; if you use a damp one, dry the metal straight away. Brushed finishes have a fine grain that hides fingerprints better than a polished surface. Never use brass polish on antique brass or antique bronze; it strips the antique tone back to bright metal.

Avoid bleach, abrasive pads and household cleaners, which can dull the finish or leave marks.

Ordering and returns

Our brass pulls and knobs are sold one at a time, so you can order the exact count for every size and finish.

Delivery is $6.95 to the United States, $16.95 to the United Kingdom, $10.95 to the rest of Europe and $25.95 elsewhere, and free on every order over $49. The delivery time for your country shows on each product page and at checkout.

Under our Delivery and returns terms, return requests must be submitted within 30 days of delivery, with items sent back within 14 days. Customers pay return shipping for a change of mind.