Replacing cabinet Handles looks simple until the new pull does not match the existing holes, the screw length is wrong, or the handle sits too close to the door edge. From a manufacturer’s perspective, accurate measurements are also what keep production consistent, reduce rework, and ensure every piece fits the first time. The key is to measure the mounting geometry and the real installation conditions, not only the visible length.

YAKO produces a broad range of Cabinet Pulls and knobs in multiple materials and finishes, and supports customized specifications for different projects and OEM/ODM requirements.

The measurements that matter most

Center to center spacing This is the distance between the centers of the two mounting holes on a pull. It is the most important value when you are replacing existing hardware because it determines whether the handle fits pre-drilled holes.

Overall length This is the total end-to-end length of the handle. It helps with the visual proportion on the door or drawer front, but it does not guarantee fit.

Projection How far the handle stands off the surface. Projection affects comfort, clearance, and whether fingers can grip easily. Many technical listings specify projection as a separate dimension.

Mounting screw specification Many cabinet pulls and knobs use M4 machine screws and different screw lengths are selected based on door thickness.

Step-by-step: how to measure accurately

1. Measure center to center first

• Remove one handle if possible and measure from the center of one hole to the center of the other.

• If you cannot remove it, measure from the left edge of one hole to the left edge of the other hole, which equals center to center.

2. Confirm overall length and projection

• Measure the full length across the handle for appearance planning.

• Measure projection to ensure comfortable grip and to avoid collisions with appliance doors or adjacent cabinetry.

3. Check door or drawer thickness

• Door thickness determines screw length. Too short will not engage threads. Too long can bottom out or damage the handle seat.

4. Verify the screw thread and head style

• Confirm whether you need M4 and whether the handle requires a countersunk head or a truss head. This avoids installation damage and improves tightness consistency.

Common center to center sizes you will see

Hardware is commonly offered in repeated sizes so installers can standardize drilling. A widely used reference set includes sizes such as 76.2 mm, 96 mm, 128 mm, and more.

Many cabinetmaking systems also index drilling in 32 mm increments, which helps keep spacing consistent across doors, drawers, Hinges, and accessories.

A quick spec checklist you can send to a manufacturer

How YAKO helps you avoid measurement mistakes

Broader material and finish options with customization YAKO’s cabinet pulls and knobs can be produced in common hardware materials and multiple finishes, including PVD and customized surface requirements, which is important when you need consistent look across a full room or multi-site rollout.

Project-ready specifications For bulk order planning, the most frequent problems are mismatched center to center spacing and wrong screw length. A manufacturer-side review of your spec list, door thickness, and mounting method reduces those issues before production.

Quality verification practices you can request If corrosion resistance is relevant to your application, you can specify salt spray test requirements based on established standards such as ASTM B117 and ISO 9227. This gives a shared verification language for comparing finishes and process control.

Practical tips for replacements and new installations

• For replacements, match center to center first, then choose the closest overall length for the look you want.

• For new cabinets, decide whether you will follow 32 mm indexing so drilling stays consistent across the whole build.

• Keep a record of door thickness and screw length so future maintenance is faster, especially for multi-unit properties or commercial-grade cabinetry programs.

Next step

Share your target center to center size, preferred finish, and door thickness, and YAKO can recommend suitable handle series and the correct screw configuration for stable installation and consistent appearance across your cabinet lines.