Replacing kitchen hardware is a small but important project. It more like revamping the kitchen to match your style and design. Make sure your doors and drawers are intact. The handles and knobs should also look cohesive and even. When replacing your kitchen hardware you can a commercial style kitchen faucet. You can decide to DIY or hire professionals. Here are some tips on replacing your kitchen hardware:
Attach Temporarily
This is not only for perfection but to make sure the position is optimum. If you are replacing two knobs it is necessary to have them at equidistant. It will also help prevent handles from creating obstruction when opening/closing the door and for aligning the handles.
You can use a blue-tack to stick the handles first then mark the position for drilling the holes. It is important to note that blue-tack can only be used on a non-porous material such as vinyl, some type of wood, metal, glass, and painted surfaces. It can only attach door handles and knobs which are lightweight.
Marking
Using a jig does not guarantee accuracy all the time. You need to measure at least three times. If the wood is measured incorrectly then there’s no chance of fitting well. You can use rules, squares, gauges, scribers, etc depending on your size of work and suitability.
The steel rule and tapes are the most preferred especially when using a handle jig. Use a straight rule or tape that doesn’t bend or flex and make sure the measurements are visible. A pencil can be used to mark the points and draw lines. Squares are used to mark lines at 90 degrees to an edge.
Use a Handle Jig
A handle jig gives a repetitive hole center location, it acts as a template to guide you when drilling the holes. Some handle jigs are adjustable to enable you to choose the perfect position for the holes. It provides repetitive accuracy in woodworking.
Handle jigs are quite affordable starting from $10. You can also DIY by using plywood. For proper alignment, use two boards to the short and long sides of the jig. This hack is best for resting the corner of the cabinet door to measure for drilling.
Fill the Holes
When replacing kitchen hardware, it is impossible to avoid leaving holes. You need to fill the hole with a color that matches the cabinets. If possible go the hardware with a piece of wood from your cabinet to obtain the perfect match.
In case it is difficult to find the right putty, you can choose three shades; the one that matches, the lightest and darkest grains. Mix the shades with a pinch of each until you get the closest shade possible. Fill the holes completely using your hand. It is recommended that you should let the putty dry to see the outcome shade before applying to other places.
Collect All the Necessary Tools
Replacing kitchen hardware is not major woodworking but you need to have the right tools for this home improvement project. The necessary tools will be determined by the type of hardware you are installing.
You can get the basic tools like screwdrivers, wood putty, jig, pencil, screws, nails, drill, scrap wood, apron, tapes, hammer, etc. Although these are not ideal for hardworking spaces they will perform the work needed.