Measuring Guide
Getting the right size hardware makes all the difference. Whether you are replacing existing handles or starting fresh, this guide covers everything you need to measure with confidence.
Understanding the dimensions
Overall Length
The total length of the piece from end to end. This determines how much of the drawer or door face the handle covers.
Fixing Centres (CC)
The distance between the centres of the screw holes. This is the measurement you need when replacing existing hardware.
Projection
How far the piece extends from the door or drawer surface. Important for clearance in tight spaces.
Step by step
Replacing Existing Hardware
If you already have handles or pulls installed, you only need one measurement: the distance between the centres of your existing screw holes. This is known as the centre-to-centre (CC) measurement.
- 1. Remove one of your existing handles. Measure the distance between the centres of the two screw holes. A tape measure or ruler will work - just make sure you are measuring from the middle of each hole, not the edges.
- 2. Match this measurement to our CC sizes. If your existing holes are 128mm apart, you need a 128mm CC handle. Common sizes are 96mm, 128mm, 160mm, 192mm, and 256mm.
- 3. No new drilling is required. The new hardware drops straight into the existing holes. The overall length of the new handle may differ from your old one, but the fixing centres are what matter.
New Installations
Starting from scratch gives you the freedom to choose any size. The key is matching the handle proportions to your cabinetry - a handle that is too small can look lost on a wide drawer, while one that is too large can overwhelm a small door.
- 1. Measure the width of your drawer front or door. Handles generally look best at around one-third to one-half the width of the drawer.
- 2. For standard kitchen drawers, 128mm and 160mm CC are the most popular sizes. For wider drawers or pantry units, consider 192mm or 256mm CC. Bathroom and small cabinet drawers work well with 96mm CC.
- 3. To mark your drill points, find the centre of the drawer or door and measure equal distances left and right for screw hole placement. Use a spirit level or straight edge to ensure the holes are aligned.
Choosing Between Knobs and Pulls
Knobs have a single fixing point and suit cabinet doors and small drawers. They are the most traditional choice and work well on period-style cabinetry, furniture, and wardrobes.
T-bars and pulls have two fixing points and are better suited to drawers and larger doors. The horizontal line they create gives a clean, considered look to modern kitchens. They also offer more leverage, making them practical for heavier drawers.
Edge pulls are designed for handleless or minimal designs. They sit flush with the drawer front and have very little projection, making them ideal for contemporary spaces where clean lines are the priority.
A common approach is to use knobs on doors and pulls on drawers. This creates a natural visual hierarchy and makes practical sense for daily use. Browse our full collection to see the range of styles and sizes available.
Common sizes and where to use them
Use this table as a starting point when choosing the right size for your cabinetry. Overall lengths are approximate and vary by design.
| Type / CC Size | Overall Length (approx) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Knob | 30 - 35mm diameter | Cabinet doors, small drawers, furniture |
| 96mm CC | 130 - 150mm | Small drawers, bathroom cabinets |
| 128mm CC | 170 - 200mm | Standard kitchen drawers (most popular) |
| 160mm CC | 200 - 240mm | Wider kitchen drawers, utility cabinetry |
| 192mm CC | 230 - 260mm | Large drawers, pantry units |
| 256mm CC | 290 - 320mm | Wide drawers, appliance pulls, statement pieces |
| Edge pull | Varies | Handleless kitchens, minimal designs |
Practical Tips
- • Always measure in millimetres for precision. A few millimetres can make the difference between a perfect fit and misaligned holes.
- • When in doubt between two sizes, go slightly larger rather than smaller. A handle that is marginally too long still looks intentional; one that is too short can look undersized.
- • Mixing knobs on doors and pulls on drawers is a classic combination. It creates visual hierarchy and makes practical sense for daily use.
- • Order a sample first if you are unsure about finish or scale. Seeing and holding the hardware in your own space is the best way to decide.
- • Check projection clearance before fitting, especially in narrow corridors or adjacent to appliance doors where handles might clash.
- • Use masking tape to mark drill points and a bradawl to create a pilot indent before drilling. This prevents the drill bit from wandering on the surface.