Practical Tips for Measuring Drawer Handles Correctly

It’s important to measure drawer handles correctly to ensure a proper fit and a professional finish. With incorrect measurements, handles for drawers won’t just have a poor bit but also an awkward grip, making them more difficult to access. 

The last thing you want is to waste money buying the wrong size drawer pulls and cabinet handles, which is why it’s vital to measure them properly before you buy anything! 

Thankfully, measuring pull drawer handles is easy enough to do at home. We’ve spoken with Locks & Hardware, experts in drawer handles and furniture ironmongery in the UK, for some practical measuring tips. Read the guide below for all the info you need to measure drawer handles correctly! 

A Step-by-Step Guide for Measuring Drawer Handles 

Measuring handles for drawers in your home isn’t difficult and can be done with minimal DIY knowledge. Just follow these simple steps for accurate measurements on all your cabinet drawer pull handles:

Measure the Centre -to -Centre  

If you’re replacing handles on a drawer with pre-drilled holes, the replacements will need the same centre-to-centre (CC) distance as the previous handles. 

The centre-to-centre (CC) distance is the measurement between the two screw holes on the back of the drawer handle. Simply remove the old handles and measure the distance (usually in millimetres) between the screw handles to get the CC distance. 

Simply match the CC measurement with the pre-drilled holes on the drawer to ensure the replacements fit properly. 

For new handles that don’t match the old CC measurements, you might need to drill additional holes in the drawer to ensure a proper fit. You can always fill in any old holes left on the drawer with a putty filler, sanding and painting them for a nice finish. 

Drawer handles in the UK typically come in standard sizes, including 64mm, 76mm, and 128mm. However, manufacturers can often carry different sizes to these, which is why it’s important to measure the centre-to-centre distance of the drawer pull handles you want to replace correctly.

Measure the Drawer Handle 

Whether you’re replacing an old knob or installing brand-new hardware, you want to measure the overall length of the drawer handle from one end to the other using a tape measure or ruler.

If buying a drawer handle for new furniture, you want the handle length to be proportional to the drawer size. It’s generally a good option to choose a drawer handle that is no longer than half the width of the drawer; otherwise, the proportions can ruin the harmonious finish you’re looking to achieve.

You can measure the drawer width from one end to the other and compare this to the handle measurement to ensure it’s a suitable size. Just make sure that the handle isn’t longer than half the length of the drawer face, and it should be a good fit.

Measure Projection Depth 

The projection depth is the distance the drawer handle protrudes from the drawer surface, basically the space where your hand reaches around and grabs the handle. You need an accurate measurement of this to ensure the handle fits properly and is comfortable to use. 

To measure projection depth, place the tape measure flush against the front of the drawer and extend the tape until it reaches the furthest part of the front edge of the drawer handle for an accurate measurement. 

The larger the projection depth, the more space your hand will have to grip the handle when opening the drawer. If you’re buying new handles, think about the size of your hand in relation to the projection depth, as people with larger hands or arthritis will benefit from a larger projection. 

Also, be mindful of the projection size when the drawers and cabinets are open. If they’re close to other objects and the handles have a large projection, they might damage nearby surfaces when swung open. 

Measure Once, Buy Right 

Measuring drawer pulls and cabinet handles correctly ensures they have a proper fit and are comfortable to use while providing a clean finish. As recommended by the experts at Locks & Handles, simply measure centre-to-centre distance, handle length, and depth projection for an accurate measurement of your new or replacement handles. 

With these proper measurements, you can select the right size of handles for your drawer and cabinets, ensuring a comfortable fit while saving money.