Understanding Cabinet Handle Types and Their Measurements: How To Measure Cabinet Handle Size
Embarking on a cabinet refacing project or simply refreshing your kitchen’s aesthetic? The seemingly small detail of cabinet hardware—the handles—can dramatically impact the overall look and feel. Choosing the right handles requires understanding their various types and accurately measuring them to ensure a perfect fit. This journey into the world of cabinet hardware will equip you with the knowledge to select and install handles with confidence.
Cabinet Handle Types and Their Dimensions
Cabinet handles come in a delightful array of styles, each offering a unique aesthetic and functional approach. Understanding the distinctions between these types is crucial for selecting the ideal handle for your cabinets. The most common types include knobs, pulls, cup pulls, and bar pulls, each with its own set of typical dimensions. These dimensions are generally guidelines, as manufacturers offer variations.
| Handle Type | Standard Length Range (inches) | Standard Width/Diameter Range (inches) | Common Mounting Center-to-Center Distance (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knob | N/A | 1-2 | N/A |
| Pull (small) | 3-6 | 1-1.5 | 3-6 |
| Pull (large) | 6-12 | 1-2 | 6-12 |
| Cup Pull | 1.5-3 | 1-2 | 3-4 |
| Bar Pull | 6-18 | 1-1.5 | 6-18 |
Center-to-Center Measurement Significance
For pulls (excluding knobs), the center-to-center measurement is paramount. This crucial dimension represents the distance between the centers of the two mounting holes. It dictates where the handle will be positioned on the cabinet door or drawer front. Accurate determination of this measurement ensures the handle is correctly aligned and securely fastened. Incorrect center-to-center measurements can result in misaligned handles, affecting both aesthetics and functionality. Always measure from the center of one mounting hole to the center of the other.
Cabinet Pull Measurement Illustration, How to measure cabinet handle size
Imagine a cabinet pull. Visualize a rectangular pull, for example. The *length* is the overall horizontal distance of the pull. The *width* is the vertical dimension. The *projection* refers to how far the pull extends from the cabinet face. Finally, the *mounting hole spacing* or center-to-center distance, as previously discussed, is the distance between the centers of the two holes where the screws will be inserted. Precise measurement of these elements ensures a perfect fit and flawless installation. For instance, a 6-inch pull might have a 3-inch center-to-center distance, a 1-inch width, and a 1-inch projection.
