How to Install Cup Pulls

One really simple way to update the look of your home is by simply switching out the outer hardware of your cabinetry. Sometimes, a simple switch from old, worn out knobs to new, shiny pulls can make a big difference. A great look is to have pulls on your cabinet doors and cup pulls on your drawers (note: see the photo above for an example of the difference between pulls and cup pulls).

And since pulls are a little more complicated to install than knobs are (although still easy, so don’t worry!), this blog is dedicated to teaching you how to install cup pulls into your drawers or cabinet doors. There are two basic types of cup pulls—those that screw in from the back (inside of the drawer) and those that screw in from the front. See the photo below for an example of the kind that screw in from the back.

Necessary Tools:

1. Drill and Drill Bits

You’ll probably want a standard drill bit to make the original hole. Then you’ll also want the drill bit that fits the type of screws you’ll be using. Most likely it will be a Phillips head (aka cross-head) tip.

2. Template or level

This handy template will make your life so easy while you install your cup pulls! As a side note, it also works for pulls, knobs, and handles. It saves you from doing some measuring and basic math, which is quite the perk for someone like me who is horrible at math. And it even comes with a standard drill bit.
You can use a level if you absolutely need to or can't spend a few bucks on the template. But I’m telling you, it’s worth it! You can even make a homemade template using a paper, pencil, and ruler.

3. Hardware

Obviously, you’ll need the actual cup pulls and screws. Oftentimes, when you buy the cup pulls, the necessary screws come with them. But keep in mind that depending on the thickness of your drawers or cabinet doors, you may need longer or shorter screws than what is provided. If that’s the case, just measure the thickness of your drawer and go to your local hardware store with your pulls and the screws that it comes with. Tell an employee that you want the same size screw diameter, but longer or shorter length, depending on the thickness of your drawer and the depth of the screw hole in your pulls. (Also, see step 1 below for another tip to avoid measuring).

4. Pencil

Once you line up the template (or level) to the drawer, you’ll need to make a small mark so you know where to drill when you move the template. A pencil is always handy to have around during any DIY project.

5. Screwdriver

You’ll need a screwdriver to remove the hardware you are replacing. You can also use it after you’ve installed your new hardware to tighten things up.

Steps:

1. Using a screwdriver, remove the current hardware from your drawer. Tip: Save the screws that you remove because they are probably about the length of the screws you'll need for your cup pulls too. They may not be the diameter that you need, but even if they aren’t, you can use those screws as a model for the correct length.
2. Measure the distance between the two screw holes on your pull. Or, to avoid measuring, place the cup pull on the template to figure out which two columns of holes you’ll be using. Note: this particular template only works for pulls with screw hole distances of 128 mm, 96 mm, or 3 inches.
3. For Drawers: Line up the template on the drawer. Line up the top of the template with the top of the drawer. Then line up the template's center hole with the hole in your drawer left over from your knob. This will center the template horizontally on your drawer so you don’t have to do any measuring (can you tell I’m a fan of avoiding numbers as much as possible?). If you have a drawer that hasn’t had any hardware installed yet, then measure horizontally to find the center of the drawer, and mark it with the pencil. Note: if it’s a long drawer (more than 2 feet), then you’ll probably want to install two cup pulls. In this case, you’ll still need to find the center of the drawer and then you’ll install each cup pull halfway between the center of the drawer and the edge of the drawer. For Cabinet Doors: You won’t be centering the pulls for cabinet doors. Instead, it will be installed on the side of the door opposite its hinges. See the chart below for more details.
4. Now that your template is centered horizontally, you need to place it vertically. If you want to avoid filling any holes, then use the cup pull to cover the hole left over from your knob. Most screw holes are at the bottom of the cup pulls; therefore, your cup pull holes will be slightly lower than the old knob hole.
5. Once the template is in place, use the pencil to mark where you will be putting your two new holes.
6. Using the standard drill bit, drill the holes where you marked.
7. Install the cup pulls! If the screws go in from the back (or inside of the drawer), then you’ll have your drill inside the drawer. If they screw in from the front, then you’ll have a little more room to work. But this part is easy, just remember, righty tighty, lefty loosey.