To accurately measure for new cabinet hardware, you need to determine several key dimensions, especially if you are replacing existing hardware. Here's how to do it:
Measuring for Replacement Cabinet Hardware
If you are replacing old hardware and want new pieces of the same size, follow these steps:
- Length: Measure the total length of the existing pull or knob from one end to the other.
- Width: Measure the width of the pull or knob at its widest point.
- Projection (Depth): Measure how far the hardware extends from the cabinet or drawer face. This is the depth or how far the hardware sticks out.
- Center-to-center: This is the distance between the screw holes. Measure from the center of one screw hole to the center of the other. This is particularly important for pulls that require two screws.
Here's a summary in table form:
| Measurement | Description |
|---|---|
| Length | Total length of the hardware piece. |
| Width | Width of the hardware piece at its widest point. |
| Projection (Depth) | Distance the hardware extends from the cabinet/drawer face. |
| Center-to-center | Distance between the centers of the mounting screw holes (for pulls). |
Example:
Let's say you have a cabinet pull you want to replace. You would:
- Measure the overall length of the pull, for example, 5 inches.
- Measure the width, which might be 1/2 inch.
- Measure how far the pull sticks out from the drawer, say, 1 inch (projection).
- Measure from the center of one screw hole to the center of the other, perhaps 3 inches (center-to-center).
You would then look for new cabinet hardware with these same dimensions.
Note: Matching the center-to-center measurement is crucial for pulls because the existing holes on the cabinet must align correctly with the new hardware. For knobs, center-to-center isn't needed because they only require a single hole.
By carefully measuring these dimensions you can ensure that the new hardware will fit and function correctly on your cabinets and drawers.
