Measure cabinet pulls before you buy replacements.

New cabinet pulls can freshen a kitchen without a large project. The easy part is choosing a finish; the important part is matching the holes already in the door or drawer. A pull’s overall length is not its mounting size. Amerock identifies pull size by the distance between the mounting-hole centers.

What you’ll need

• Ruler with inch and millimeter markings
• Paper and pencil
• Phone camera
• Correct hand screwdriver if removal is necessary

Take it step by step

1. Choose one ordinary cabinet pull to inspect. Open the door or drawer and locate its two mounting screws. Photograph the handle and screws so you have a reference while shopping.
2. Measure from the center of one screw to the center of the other. Write down the exact distance and the units. Do not round a metric measurement to a nearby inch size; similar-looking spacing may not fit.
3. Check several other doors and drawers. They may use different sizes even when the handles look alike. Group your notes by location and count how many replacements each group needs.
4. Measure the material thickness at the mounting location. A drawer may have both a decorative front and a drawer box. Amerock notes that screw length depends on this combined thickness and that some hardware uses metric threads.
5. If the measurement is awkward, support the pull and remove its screws with a hand screwdriver. Measure its mounting centers directly, keep its screws together, and reinstall it gently. Compare your notes with the replacement manufacturer’s specifications before buying.

When to ask for help

Ask for help if screws spin without releasing, the wood is damaged, or the replacement needs different holes. This simple planning task does not include drilling or repairing cabinet fronts.