Types of cabinet handle
Pulls, knobs and bar handles suit different uses.
Centres and sizes
Handles are sold by the centre-to-centre distance between the screws, such as 96 mm or 128 mm, and by overall length. If you are replacing handles, match the centres to the existing holes, because a handle with different centres means filling the old holes and drilling new ones, which is hard to hide on a finished door. If you want a different size, look for a handle with an adjustable plate or choose one with the same centres. For new cabinets, choose handle length about one third of the drawer width or a little more for modern bar handles.
Materials and finishes
Stainless steel and aluminium are durable, brass looks warm and zinc alloy is economical. Finishes include steel, black, gold and antique. Match the finish to hinges, taps and appliances, and check that the plating is even, with no rough edges. Solid stainless steel and aluminium handles keep their look in kitchens, where steam and grease attack thin coatings, and black finishes show fingerprints more than brushed ones. See brackets and other fittings for the same look.
Comfort and spacing
Choose a handle that your fingers fit behind, with a gap of about 20 to 30 mm. Place door handles near the free edge, about 2 to 3 inches from the corner, and drawer handles centred or in line. Keep the same height across a run of doors. On tall wardrobe doors, place the handle at a comfortable height of about 36 to 42 inches, and on low drawers, place the handle in the top third. Try a few handles on the real door with double-sided tape before drilling, to see how they look and feel.
Fitting tips
Use a template to keep spacing equal, mark and drill from the front with a backing board to avoid chipping and choose screws that suit the door thickness. Cut the screws if they are too long, so they do not show on the inside. Tighten gently to avoid cracking the board. If a hole is oversized or damaged, fill it with a wooden dowel and glue, let it dry and drill again. Check each handle after a few weeks, since screws can loosen with use, and add a drop of thread lock if needed. Keep a few spare screws and a spare handle from the same batch, since finishes can differ slightly between batches.
Handles for doors and wardrobes
Doors and wardrobes may need longer pulls. See wardrobe accessories and fittings and pull handles.
Indicative price ranges
Prices depend on size and material. Indicative market ranges are about PKR 75 to 250 for a single handle or knob, and about PKR 300 for a pack of ten self-adhesive pulls.
Common mistakes
- Wrong centres, so holes do not line up.
- Handles too small for large drawers.
- Mixed finishes that clash.
- Uneven spacing across a run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Measure the centre-to-centre distance between the screw holes and the overall length you want. Match the centres when replacing handles. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Choose a length about one third of the drawer width or a little more for bar handles. Make sure fingers fit behind with a gap of about 20 to 30 mm. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the supplier before ordering.
Match the finish to hinges, taps and appliances. Steel and black are easy to match, and gold and antique suit specific styles. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the supplier before ordering.
They suit light use and rentals but may not suit heavy or greasy doors. Drilled handles last longer. If in doubt, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
Indicative ranges are about PKR 75 to 250 for a single handle or knob. If in doubt, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Send the centres, finish and quantity on WhatsApp. We confirm what we can supply and reply with a written rate. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Send the door or item details, the quantity and a photo on WhatsApp. We confirm what we can supply and reply with a written rate that lists every item with its type, finish and fixings, so you can compare quotes from different suppliers on the same scope.