Cabinet pulls, handles or knobs are something we are often asked to change or add when refinishing a set of cabinets. It is not a difficult task.
Changing out the hinges can sometimes prove to be a challenge when the old hinge was mortised into the cabinet box. This creates a large opening that must be filled and sanded smooth before new hinges can be installed. It can be time consuming to fill an entire set of cabinets but it is doable. When we are asked to fill old hinge pockets we use a two component epoxy filler. It sets extremely fast and hard but is still shapable by sanding.
Cabinet pulls are much easier to add or change. It can dramatically change the look of a set of cabinets. Especially in combination with refinishing the cabinets.
When we add cabinet pulls to drawers or cabinet doors we create a jig for the dimensions of the handle or pull the customer has picked out if we don’t already have one made.
After the jig is made it is simply a matter of lining everything up and drilling the holes. Helps to use new/sharp drill bits.
After the holes have been done we sand the area well to eliminate any fracturing or splinters around the drilled area. The holes can be done prior to or after finishing. I prefer to do them prior to help seal the drilled areas as we proceed with the cabinet finishing.
